Tag Archives: real estate appraisal

Cocoon House

Posted on June 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Inspired by the volcanic topography of Jeju island and the cocoon of a living organism, Seoul-based architectural practice, Planning Korea, completed their design for the Cocoon House, which is complemented with their amazing rendering techniques which is evident in their gallery of images. The cocoon, located at the center of the house, provides a space made by nature that protects and develops inner living things from outside. The first phase of the construction will be started in September 2012 and will be completed in 2015. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Their cocoon design creates a space like an art piece by translating the round shape of cocoon as an eco-structure design. This seaside condominium provides a self-sustaining creative business resort located in UNESCO Heritage Jeju Island. The circular windows of the cocoon can be opened and closed depending on the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, so it seems like a live cocoon.

Read and see more at: http://www.archdaily.com/230509/cocoon-house-planning-korea/

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Must Have Household Gagets

Posted on June 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

New tools can make life easier around the house. Author Kathryn Weber suggests 10 useful devices to add to your inventory.

Go to: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/chi-best-household-gadgets-20120524,0,5631486.photogallery

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Property Spotlight – Home Gets LEED Platnum Rating

Posted on June 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Nothing green.” In 2008, that was a couple’s caveat to architect Nate Kipnis when they hired him to renovate their Colonial home. “They thought it would look too high-tech or out-of-the box, and didn’t understand environmentally sustainable design,” he says.

Do you have a green property and can’t find an appraiser that specializes in energy efficient properties? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your appraisal questions.

Many don’t. Mention “green” and visions of the modern multimillion dollar dazzlers on magazine pages come to mind, such as the Zero Net Energy Home in Chicago. In 2009, the $2.2 million, 2,675 square foot residence became the nation’s first to attain platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes program (the acronym stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). With dual soaring butterfly roofs and glassy walls framed with sleek cedar and cement board cladding, it stands out from the vintage housing stock that surrounds it.

Yet “green” doesn’t have to be synonymous with edgy or super-expensive. A picturesque, 5,500-square-foot Glencoe, Ill., residence designed by Kipnis for Barry and Natalie Slotnick proved the point when it became the second home in the state to be certified LEED platinum last July. “It’s classic in style, proportion and form but modern in its use of systems and materials — and more than twice as large as the Chicago home yet cost 60 percent less to build,” says Kipnis.