Homegrown Comfort

In the hills above Mill Valley, George and Karen Mandala have built a sunny one-bedroom, two-bathroom home on “green” principles to provide a nourishing retreat – and a nest for raising their daughter, 3-month-old Shaina. Amid sky-high Bay Area real estate prices and enormous new homes, the Mandalas prove that it’s possible to create a warm, welcoming and environmentally-friendly home without state lottery winnings.

The setting is part of the magic. The house is built on a hillside approaching the vast green oasis of Muir Woods National Monument, Mt. Tamalpais State Park and Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is nestled amid tall pines, redwood and cypress, plus a smattering of plum trees that were bursting with graceful pink blossoms on the day I visited. Read more

Long Life, Soft Sheets

In China bamboo is a symbol of a long life, and in India it symbolizes friendship; in both cultures, the bamboo plant is revered for its durability and practicality and can be found in everything from chopsticks and stir-fry to furniture, fences, and bamboo flooring.

Bamboo, while strong, is not a wood. It is a hollow grass that can be found on nearly every continent. And although there are more than 1,000 different species of bamboo, they all have one key characteristic; sustainability. Bamboo is perhaps Mother Nature’s most hardy and most sustainable plant. Read more

Greening Your Nest

Over the last five years, homeowners and even renters have begun to look toward more eco-friendly products for their nests, hoping to keep style without sacrificing their environmental ethos. In fact, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, there was a 20 percent growth in green building in 2005. But, how do you find green design and home building materials?

Enter the age of the green home store. With locations across the country, these retail shops specialize in everything from green building supplies to recycled furniture made from railroad ties. Read more

Eric Cadora’s Eco House

written by staff / photography by lisa beavis

Nestled up in the hills of Malibu is a stunning and thoughtful house recently “greened” by Eric Cadora and his wife Collette Brooks. The house is 2,900 square feet and the process was started in 2004. They added solar panels, river rock for the bath to gently massage their feet and recycled materials throughout the house. Read more

Eco Home Profile

written by melissa b. williams

“I grew up in a lot adjacent to this one and can remember days when I could look out on the plains and not see a brown cloud. That is no longer possible. I always thought if I could build my dream home I’d like to contribute to that brown cloud as little as possible.”

John Chase, who grew up in the foothills outside of Denver, Colorado, was able to realize that dream when he and his wife embarked on their own dream home, one that would not only fit their environmental principles but was also designed with style. Read more

At Home With Gurutej

A miniature Spanish castle with soft golden exterior, fluted tile roof, majestic triangular windows, and circular walls of architecture, this home is fit for a queen. As I approach the gate I notice a small tag, the kind you may find on a birthday gift, dangling from a ribbon: Bless this home. Bless all who enter this home. Bless all that happens in this home. I soon discover what a blessed gift this home is. Read more

This Blissed House

While most homes are designed to be people-friendly and adaptable spaces for… Read more

At Home With Gurutej

A miniature Spanish castle with soft golden exterior, fluted tile roof, majestic triangular windows, and circular walls of architecture, this home is fit for a queen. As I approach the gate I notice a small tag, the kind you may find on a birthday gift, dangling from a ribbon: Bless this home. Bless all who enter this home. Bless all that happens in this home. I soon discover what a blessed gift this home is. Read more