Byzantine Homes

Mercedes Hydrogen Fuel Cell

2012-03-05T13:56:00.002-05:00

Here's the promotional video for the new Mercedes Fuel Cell. They claim it is invisible to the environment. I won't spoil it for you, but...yeah I will. They cover it with LEDs and make it look invisible. Cool concept, well executed, good soundtrack.

Earth Blocks

2012-02-08T12:16:00.002-05:00

So in other green news, Earth Blocks are fun and made from compressed ~~garbage~~ post consumer content. $30 for 50 you say? Sounds like I need to find a way to make $30....

I know! I'll scrounge our office garbage can for coffee grounds and squish them together and make blocks and sell them for $31 for a 50 piece set. I am a marketing Genius.

Sarcasm aside, I really do want a set. I have yet to see a desk toy that I don't want. I have a problem. Please send help. Or more desk toys.

Niche Modern Lighting

2012-02-01T15:42:00.000-05:00

In another example of me considering changing the name of this blog to Lighting Enthusiasts Anonymous, here are the Niche Modern lighting systems that I am currently coveting. They all come in a variety of colours and seem to also have a number of arrangements from single pendant style to chandelier, to modern arrangements. I'll let the images speak for themselves.

MIT Soft Rocker Solar Powered USB Charging Station

2012-01-31T11:10:00.000-05:00

Not many people accuse MIT of sitting on their laurels. Even their lounging around is innovative.

Presenting the Soft Rocker: A solar powered USB charging station meant for lounging around in. More shots after the jump.

When I went to university, all we got were dilapidated hard plastic deco chairs in the student life centre. I would have ~~used these fruitfully everyday~~ gotten up to some serious shenanigans in these.

Glass Floor a la Gulliver's Travels

2012-01-26T12:01:00.000-05:00

This is in no way green, but it certainly is cool. Imagine being a giant walking on a glass floor held up by a horde of normal sized people. Alternatively imagine being normal sized and walking on a glass floor held up by tiny people. Or be boring an walk on a glass floor supported by small plastic figurines. Whichever way you imagine it, this is what it would look like.

The Ultimate Man-delier

2012-01-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

Looking for that perfect light fixture for your man-cave?

Look no more. Introduing what I'm calling the Man-delier:

This beauty comes from bow-berlin, a jewelry and leather boutique. Check out The Cool Hunter (who writes a way better blog than yours truly, I must admit) for more shots of this really unique design.

MTH Woodworks

2012-01-23T15:57:00.001-05:00

Makers of the WAY COOL tables and cradenzas seen here, MTH Woodworks operates out of Vancouver, BC. They take natural and organic materials and fashion them into beautiful, earthy, and modern pieces that reflect a desire to demonstrate good stewardship of the environment, with a keen eye for taste. Rarely do I come across responsible design that is as appealing as this.

3GLighting

2012-01-18T19:33:00.001-05:00

I just love these luminaires. LEDs, sleek. That's pretty much it. 3GLighting

Yeah...I don't really know what else to say. You know how I feel about lighting.

Fiber Optic Skylights

2012-01-18T12:27:00.003-05:00

Ok, so in my latest effort to inundate my readers with material on lighting, I came across this:

The Parans fiber optic systems harvest natural light and channel it through fiber optic cables to be diffused into a dark interior space. You get natural lighting where you need it, without having to bring a cumbersome skylight tube through some otherwise valuable space. Very slick.

The solar collector does consume some power (it has tracking Fresnel lenses to amplify the the light) but at 2W for the amount of light harvested is still quite good.

The system comes with a number of different luminaires, depending on your application, and can be arranged just as creatively as standard luminaries, since all you are pulling in is a fiber optic cable.

For American order inquiries try: HUVCO Lighting Solutions 1-800-832-6116

A Day Made of Glass

2012-01-17T12:09:00.001-05:00

So yesterday I posted a video about Samsung's new window-mounted touchscreen computer. I thought today I would share an older video made by Corning. Sure, in internet years this thing is like the iron age, but there was definitely some good fore-sight in it.

Definitely a worth-while video.

Samsung Smart Window

2012-01-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

Introducing the Samsung Smart Window. Seems like everything is smart these days. I'm still waiting for the Smart Coffee Cup. Tangential ramblings aside, this is really cool.

This functionality is great. I just hope that when the details come out on the application, Samsung will include capability to mount these things to low-e coated triple pane windows. Also curious if these can be applied as well in south facing as they could be on north facing walls. Time will tell.

Jólan van der Wiel's Gravity Stool

2012-01-13T11:38:00.000-05:00

Jólan likes "experimental discovery translated into functional design". What better example than his Gravity Stool. He uses molten polymers with suspended iron filings as a medium in what I'm calling "magnetic extrusion" to create truly unique pieces of functional art, to offer an oxymoron.

30 Storey Tower Built in 15 Days

2012-01-12T09:24:00.001-05:00

Pretty impressive stuff. Would like to see some cost numbers on this project.

Pyromaniacal Eye Candy

2011-12-16T09:22:00.001-05:00

So its Friday, and I haven't got any brighter(!) ideas for blog posts so enjoy this loudspeaker-flamethrower mashup I found.

It's not very green. But it IS ~~cool~~ hot.

Fisker Karma Test Drive Preview

2011-12-15T09:40:00.001-05:00

Remember that post I made way back when? I don't. I have an extremely short term memory. The handy tattoo I gave myself reminded me though.

Well today I finally get to drive a Karma...in spite of the fact that none of my intrepid blog readers bought me one, the good folks at Fisker of Toronto have turned a blind eye to my driving record and are letting me get my hands on one.

I've been pretty bullish on electric cars recently, and I think the trend will continue. Trust me, I know all the arguments against electric vehicles. Some of them are very valid arguments, but I see these as growing pains in the industry, and I truly believe EVs will be the vehicular transport of the western world's future.

Well...it's rainy out, and I'm about to hop in a 5,300 lb car with 959 ft-lbs of torque. I'll (hopefully) be back with all the details.

UPDATE: Well due to an unforeseen ~~zombie apocalypse~~ scheduling issue, the test drive has been deferred until Monday. Stay tuned folks.

I Hate Being Cold

2011-12-07T13:28:00.001-05:00

We pretty much all do. Well, okay. Not you, Ebenezer. One thing I hate more than most anything is being in a warm house and feeling cold. This happens a lot this time of year near windows. Ever hear it described as "drafty"? I sure have. Usually this window is one of two things:

1. A poorly sealed old(ish) window that is, in fact, letting a draft in.

2. A new(er) window that just feels cold. No actual wind coming through the seals to create a draft, but yet...still. Somehow these windows are sooooo cold.

Here is why they feel drafty: people are naturally emissive. We humans are basically space heaters. We shed all our excess body heat very effectively, and when our bodies tell us they are cold, they restrict blood flow to the surface of our skin to keep in enough heat to keep our bodies running. The side effect of restricted superficial blood flow is the feeling of being cold.

A newer window that makes us feel cold is not necessarily poorly sealed. It is more often that our window does not have a low-emissivity coating to keep heat radiation from passing through the glass.

The coating keeps heat emitted from our bodies from exiting the home. This means the home stays warm, and our superficial blood vessels stay dilated and we feel nice and cozy. All while enjoying the beautiful snow fall we came to the window to watch in the first place. Maybe with a nice mug of hot cocoa. Mmm. I gotta go find some cocoa .

Byzantine Homes builds custom homes with low-emissivity coated windows. Call us today and I'll buy you a mug of hot cocoa.

Five Star Furniture

2011-12-05T12:15:00.001-05:00

Found a neat furniture manufacturer today: Five Star Furniture makes some cool looking pieces. Took some screen caps, but you should hit their website for the good stuff.

Here is the "Ewart"

I love this one. The color, shape, and almost minimal support really jumps out at me. I could use some new office decor.

The "Six"

Not quite my style, but I like how unique it is. Could really fit in with a chic condo decor downtown.

The "Randy Nine"

Seems to almost combine the 1930s with the 2010s. I don't know why but to me it looks like a molded patent leather cake version of a chair. My wife's bakery must be rubbing off on me. Either way, I love these chairs.

Chevy Volt

2011-12-02T09:05:00.001-05:00

Are we still allowed to called them Chevrolet? I feel like it's passé these days. Seriously, every time I write "Chevrolet" I feel about 20 years older. Regardless...

The Volt got the highest possible rating from Consumer Reports, despite some rumblings of concerns over fire hazards in side-collision testing. Consumer Reports, who evaluates consumer response to products has indicated that a whopping 93% of respondents would "definitely" buy the car again.

Having spent a fair bit of time researching Electric Vehicles recently, I do have some technical issues with the Volt, mainly the limited electric-only range when compared to the competition coming to market. The fuel consumption when operating the gas powered engine isn't as pristine as I think it could be either. Having said that, I applaud GM at bringing to market what I believe is the best example of an electric vehicle that most people will actually want:

Range anxiety is completely eliminated, but completely tailpipe emission free driving for a typical commute is entirely possible for most commuters (excluding yours truly, sadly). Creature comforts are all present, design is attractive (to the right buyer), and it just. plain. works.

GM is standing firmly behind this one too. Not issuing a recall per se, GM has offered any and all buyers a no-strings promise to buy back at full value the vehicle if you are the least bit concerned over the fire issue I noted above. Make note that these fires were observed on vehicle battery packs that were involved in side collisions (either tested or traffic collisions) that did not have a completely decommissioned battery. IMO, if the car is involved in a side collision, make sure your insurer (or possibly GM) covers the cost to replace the battery.

Congratulations to GM, and the good folks at Consumer Reports. I think the Volt will be a game-changer, if it isn't already considered one.

Want to build your dream home? Or maybe you just want Byzantine Homes' advice on going green. Either way, get in touch with us today!

Super Mario Brothers: Gulf of Mexico

2011-12-01T15:20:00.001-05:00

Since I am so good at finding topical, relevant, and timely posts....here is a artist's conception of a new game called "Super Mario Brothers: Gulf of Mexico"

I can't lie. I would play this game until my fingernails bled. I gotta get my Mario Bros on. PLEEEEASE Nintendo, make this game!

Daily Publications!

2011-11-30T16:36:00.001-05:00

Well I can't write the entire internet, so subscribe to my new daily publication:

Byzantine Homes green luxury

You'll like it.

150th Post Extravaganza!

2011-11-29T14:40:00.001-05:00

So whoda thunk it? I have made it to the seemingly high threshold of 150 posts!!!! WOW! I had no idea I was that ~~creative~~ good at linking to other people's creative content. And to mark the occasion, I will give 1 lucky blog reader a signed, high quality print of an article of your choice. It could literally be worth ~~dollars~~ memories some day.

The first person to make me laugh in the comments section below gets the print.

Green Furniture

2011-11-29T12:35:00.001-05:00

The cleverly named Green-Furniture.com webstore has some neat pieces to add to your home or office that are, you guessed it, green!

The Alexander Sofa caught my eye:

Per the web description:

Designer Robert Craymer utilizes 100% eco-friendly materials to create the exclusive RC Green line of environmentally friendly, green furniture. These beautiful and innovative products combine clean design and functionality and are made from sustainable, organic, and recycled materials. The frames are made from Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. The springs and screws are made of recycled steel. Glues and finshes are non-toxic and formaldehyde-free. And a wide range of upholstery options and colors are available using natural fabrics.

At a fairly reasonable $2,775. At that price you could buy me one!

New Homes vs. Custom Homes

2011-11-28T10:47:00.001-05:00

I received an interesting phone call today from someone hoping to build a new home. They had previously had discussions with new home builders who build sub-developments within municipalities. Our conversation covered the differences between that approach, and what we do at Byzantine Homes.

A new home developer offers efficiencies in design and execution. Cost drops when compared to a custom builder. Because a developer can execute the same design 100 or 1,000 times within a development plot, the cost to develop this design is split 100 or 1,000 times. This is why "extras" cost so much. They are deviations from the standard and a different colour cabinet does actually cost more for the developer to install because they have to order that unit individually.

As a custom home builder, Byzantine Homes focuses on finding the exact style of home that suits you. Changes in colour or material are not a big deal, since we are building a one of a kind home anyway. We do carry higher costs than a developer, but what you end up with is a home that fits you like a glove, is built to exacting standards and specifications, receives individual construction inspection, offers an infinite range of colour and material possibilities, and gives you more quality home for your money.

If you are entirely budget driven, then check out a developer. Some of them offer very nice homes for a single generation occupancy and can probably get you more square footage per dollar. But if you are looking for something special, that will return high value for your investment, and speaks to your own personality then please get in touch with us today.
info@byzantine.ca

Address Is Approximate

2011-11-25T14:49:00.001-05:00

So yet again, I have been a bad blogger. So to make up for it, here is a beautifully done stop motion independent film that really touched me.
Google Street View stop motion animation short made as a personal project by director Tom Jenkins.

Story: A lonely desk toy longs for escape from the dark confines of the office, so he takes a cross country road trip to the Pacific Coast in the only way he can – using a toy car and Google Maps Street View. Music by the wonderful Cinematic Orchestra (cinematicorchestra.com) and the track is Arrival of the Birds - please buy the fantastic album: iTunes All screen imagery was animated - there are no screen replacements.

Kitchener LRT

2011-11-18T12:29:00.001-05:00

Well folks, I am just thrilled about the upcoming LRT. Yes, it will be a l;arge expense to our region. Yes, our property taxes will go up. But our property values will also take a huge upswing. The key to driving urban growth and increasing property values is to develop transit corridors that draw people into the core.

By creating a transit corridor through Kitchener and Waterloo, dense, sustainable growth can occur. Developers love increasing property value, and will jump on board a a regional plan that develops a central transit corridor like the LRT. If you like the development that has been happening in Uptown Waterloo, just wait until you see the King St. stretch from Ottawa to Erb in 10 years.

I had a very encouraging conversation with someone who has domain over development in the region recently, and can confidently say that there are some great minds at work in Kitchener. We can expect and witness some very sustainable and valuable growth out of our town core for years to come.

The best part about this is that now is a great time to get into the market. Speculative buying has not quite hit full force yet, and there are some depressed assets still around town (much like in Verdun) that can be assembled for high quality development. Investors, please get in touch with me.