May 2009
Monthly Archive
Extracting Energy From Water Currents
Posted by davidwfox on 29 May 2009 | Tagged as: biomimicry
Today I was fortunate to attend a presentation by Janine Benyus at Google’s head office. Here is just one of dozens of new bio-inspired products she featured:
Our VIVACE technology uses the extensively studied phenomenon of vortex induced vibrations to extract useful energy from ocean, river, tidal and other water currents. Continued at http://www.vortexhydroenergy.com/
Biomimicry in the Bathroom
Posted by davidwfox on 27 May 2009 | Tagged as: biomimicry, my-new-house
I enjoyed a full day board meeting with the Biomimicry Institute today and was reminded of two biomimetic products I’ve considered in my house remodel:
The first, pictured above is the Vesi Chanel faucet by Brizo:
Seeking to capture the appearance, feel and sound of a babbling brook, the channel design remains functional while creating an indulging and unique sensory experience.
Another product range that caught my eye is Pure Stone from Villeroy & Boch
Stone is an embodiment of calm and permanence. PURE STONE takes this as its cue to create a unique collection for the bathroom – sensuous, high-quality, cosy. The design of the washbasin was inspired by pebbles smoothed by the flow of river water. Water flows from the specially designed outlet as if from a natural spring.
10 Monitoring Tools Bringing Smart Energy Home
Posted by davidwfox on 13 May 2009 | Tagged as: energy efficiency
A cornerstone of the house renovation is our energy strategy and key to that will be monitoring whats usage. So I read this with interest:
A half-dozen companies are launching their first energy dashboards this year, and a few others are starting to gain traction with already available online tools. One of the biggest differences between these firms is whether companies will sell directly to the consumer or to utility partners for upcoming smart meter rollouts. Continued at http://earth2tech.com…
If you’re interested in this topic and you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ll be attending an event on topic in Palo Alto Thursday night.
Updated: http://news.zdnet.com/2346-9595_22-369180.html?tag=nl.e539
Fresh Ideas from Janine Benyus on How We Can Learn from Nature
Posted by davidwfox on 12 May 2009 | Tagged as: biomimicry, my-new-house
Sarah Kuck over at World Changing interviews Janine Benyus:
Smart Materials
JB: One of my favorite ideas is embedding our materials with sensors so they can sense when they are damaged, and perhaps can heal themselves. It’s a new way toward durability, which, when appropriate, is sustainability.
