Inspired by the Painted Ladies houses of San Francisco fame, six colours were chosen that made a confident statement while not over powering the style of the home or the neighbouring residences. The red adds drama to the understated green while the yellow lends a brightness to balance the overall colour scheme. Adding to the impact of the over all pallete was the careful placement of each colour in relation to the others. The dark green band on the bottom of the facia board added the perfect contrast and delineation between the yellow of the eves and the wonderful, soft blue of the soffets and veranda ceilings. Enlisting the darker green in the beveled insets added a natural shadow and depth to the raised panel doors.

A project of this size and complexity can become extremely labour intensive and great care must be taken to optimize the work flow and maximize efficiency in order to keep costs to a minimum. We accomplished this by spraying of the largest portions as well as the less detailed, but time consuming, aspects such as the spindles on all the decks and veranda. Setting a proper workflow also allowed us to use the sprayer more, with less masking to reduce environmental impact. This efficiency is also vital in playing to the individual strengths of each painter, separating the broad strokes from the detailed touch.

This job also had its challenges in the variety of surface conditions, from new construction, to original, multi layered, cracked and peeling paint. Proper removal of all loose paint as well as priming using the appropriate product, of old and new portions was vital to the appearance and longevity of this project. Not priming or using the wrong primer leads to tannins from wood, especially cedar, bleeding through the new paint and leaving a brown stain on the top coat.

In the end, it was extremely satisfying to see the home owners vision come to fruition. This home was transformed from mostly unremarkable to being an example of creativity that is complimentary and respectful to the neighbourhood that it is a part of.

The trifecta of good health and sustainability. Groceries that are;

• Local
• Biodynamic/organic
• Delivered by bicycle

Grocer Gunst

Even with increased availability of organic and natural options, eliminating all sources of VOC’s and environmental toxins from your home is a nearly impossible task. So why not get a little help clearing those contaminants with the right house plants that will make your home more aesthetically pleasing and reduce environmental impurities.

Many of the things we bring into our homes act as a Trojan horse for common toxins such as Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde and Benzene. Carpets, dry cleaning, plastics, particle board, news papers, magazines, detergents and cleaning products can all contribute to less than optimal air quality in your home. So here’s some friendly little air cleaning plants that will add visual appeal as well.

A two year study conducted by NASA and Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) states that the “Philodendron, Spider plant and the Golden Pathos (Devils Ivy) were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules.” Flowering plants are more than just a pretty face with Gerbera Daisy’s and Chrysanthemums being particularly effective at removing benzene from the air in your home. Other plants the study found to be highly effective are the Dracaena Massangeana (Corn Plant) and Spathiphyllum, other wise known as the Peace Lily. Spider plants are well known for their ability to purify the air and are wonderful for propagation, producing tiny hanging off shoots that look like dangling spiders.

Laura from The Natural Gardener added that “all plants exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen so any plant will contribute to better air quality indoors, some are just a little more efficient at it than others.” She also provided encouragement for the not so avid gardener that many of the plants on the list are hardy and can withstand a fairly wide variance of conditions. The biggest cause of plant casualties being over watering, Laura advised that if the surface of the soil feels damp it’s best not to water. Treating with a good organic fertilizer 1-2 times a year will keep them thriving, looking great and cleaning your air.

Top air cleaning plants.

Philodendron

Spider plant

Golden Pathos (Devils Ivy)

Gerbera Daisy

Chrysanthemums

Dracaena Massangeana/ Marginata (Corn Plant)

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)

Azalea

Bamboo

Dieffenbachia

Christmas cactus.

Rubber plant

Poinsettia

On Granville Island, above Purdy’s Chocolates.

http://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com/event/jason_statler_guest_expert_on_green_painting