OOCK

New Sustanable Scents!

2010-08-14T15:29:00.002-04:00

Stop by OOCK to check out some of our newest scents - aromatherapy, candles, soaps and lotions -
sustainable and seductive...mission fig candles, lemongrass room spray and eucalyptus soap - just a few of the great aromas.

We have a new shipment of our sell-out "soy chalkboard candles" - the perfect teacher gift,
and great as a party favor!

ACS Evening of Hope - Shopper Donation

2010-08-14T15:23:00.003-04:00

Support the ACS Evening of Hope Event!

In support of the American Cancer Society, and Breast Cancer Awareness month in October,
OOCK shoppers will participate in supporting the AMerican Cancer Society.

A percentage of proceeds of each sale from August 16th through October 31, 2010 will
be donated to the American Cancer Society.

This will be my 19th year as a "SURVIVOR" - As a Survivor and past Honoree of the American Cancer Society, I am proud and excited to be part of Strides, a member of the Board of Advisors to ACS and a supporter the Evening of Hope!

Back to School/ Cans for Kids

2010-08-14T15:22:00.000-04:00

Support the AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson Cans for Kids!

This year the AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson Chapter created the Design Club, an after-school architectural education outreach program for inner city youth. Select member architects serve as volunteer teachers to enrich elementary students in the field of architecture. In its first year, the club has already seen positive results at Martin Luther King Elementary School located in Yonkers, NY. Children learn through hands-on projects about the science behind building, physics and geometry. Topics range from climate and insulation to bridge building, decoration and biomimicry. The club also takes students on educational field trips; this year was to The Guggenheim Museum.

In conjunction with this effort, Carol Kurth, AIA Architect and owner of OOCK, has created and is piloting a fundraising effort for education, by creating a recycling program, "Cans for Kids". Contractors and architectural firms are asked to collect and recycle all bottles and cans that are consumed on job sites and would otherwise wind up in dumpsters or buried in walls. The profits raised from the can deposits are given to the program in order to support its future.

To get started: Click on the poster above and print on 11 x 17" paper, hang up your sign on your collection bin, wait till it fills, redeem the can deposits, and mail funds to the address located on the poster.

If you have further questions about the "Cans for Kids" program, please contact Carol Kurth at 914-234-2595 or email her at carol.kurth@carolkurtharchitects.com

Holiday Home

2009-12-19T18:58:00.002-05:00

Give the gift of "home for the holidays" by giving design as a gift that keeps on giving!
OOCK has wonderful stocking stuffers - sustainable gifts such as recycled chalkboard candles, organic linens, and fabulous pillows spun from organic wool!
The gift of great design can be a unique and wonderful present - we can offer color consultations,
energy ideas and great room transformations - all available with our replenish-able gift cards!

Stop in to pick up last minute gift items and gift cards for your holiday shopping!

Seasons greetings and happy holidays!

Support the AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson Cans for Kids!

2009-10-27T15:35:00.005-04:00

If you have further questions about the "Cans for Kids" program, please contact Carol Kurth at 914-234-2595 or email her at carol.kurth@carolkurtharchitects.com

Cork Ottoman

2009-09-25T12:04:00.002-04:00

OOCK has terrific cork ottomans (previous post) ...
Sustainable and beautiful, order your custom piece, available in many sizes from circular to rectangular benches -
starting at $ 870 plus tax and delivery -
during October a portion of proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society for the Patient Navigation Program!
Order now and have it in time for the holidays!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month @ OOCK

2009-09-23T16:38:00.001-04:00

For the month of October, OOCK will be donating part of their proceeds to the American Cancer Society and their Patient Navigation Program. Visit www.oockgreendesign.com to view our line of sustainable products.

Take the Footprint Quiz?

2009-07-14T12:18:00.010-04:00

What's your environmental footprint? Take the test at:

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators

http://www.myfootprint.org/en/

..... How many Earth's would we need if everyone lived like YOU?

Green Design Award Competition

2009-07-14T10:02:00.007-04:00

New York House Magazine announced the winners of their inaugural Innovative Green Design Awards competition, showcasing the best Earth-friendly, beautiful home furnishing products. Winners were chosen by a panel of sustainability experts, including our very own, Carol Kurth. The products were submitted from around the world and the winners proved to represent the most sustainable methods of manufacturing, highest energy efficiency, greatest innovation, smallest carbon footprint, and best looking design in each category. The honorees were announced at a cocktail reception at GreenBuildingsNY on June 16 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

Visit NY House Magazine's website at: http://www.newyorkhousemagazine.com/pages/full_story/push?article--Saluting+Sustainability-%20&id=2598176 to view all winners, photos and more information on this competition.

OOCK NAMED “BEST OF WESTCHESTER 2009” BY WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE

2009-07-08T11:29:00.004-04:00

OOCK, the regions first boutique devoted exclusively to sustainable living, now joins the ranks of Westchester Magazine's list of The Best of Westchester in the category of New Home Green Furnishings and Design. For more information on the award visit www.westchestermagazine.com

The Office of Carol J.W. Kurth welcomes Deirdre Molloy as the firm's third LEED Accredited Professional

2009-06-09T15:38:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Deirdre!

The Office of Carol J.W. Kurth is pleased to announce their New Award Winning Project

2009-05-21T14:28:00.006-04:00

................AND THE WINNER IS....... THE BIRDHAUS!

"The Birdhaus", previously featured on this blog, has won the 2009 Design Award Competition from The Society of American Registered Architects of New York (S.A.R.A.) for Product Design.

View other winners of the SARANY awards at.....http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/sara_new_york_announces_2009_design_awards_winners/

Westchester Magazine’s Dream Home: The Tour Begins!

2009-05-06T12:02:00.004-04:00

Check out Westchester Magazine's Dream Home 2009, which is offering house tours to the public for four weeks, starting May 1. "The interactive tour will feature seminars on new, energy-efficient window technology; tutorials on paint trends and color combinations that soothe or inspire; talks on the newest developments in lighting design that can transform any room's ambiance with the flick of a switch; and much more. "according to the magazine. The tours are also focusing on the "do's" and "don'ts" of design and construction as well as how to create simple, delicious meals in your kitchen. This amazing home is located at 93 Round Hill Road in Armonk, NY and features some superb amenities such as a grand foyer, library, gym, home theater, wine cellar, 2 laundry rooms, cabana, and 4 full and 2 half-baths. Outdoor features include a terrace and pool, gorgeous porches and 2 two-car garages.

The Carol Kurth Collection will be featured in various areas of the home. Look for our OOCK green definitions pamphlets to get more on green terms. Tickets are $20 in advance and proceeds from tour ticket sales will benefit Open Door Family Medical Centers. For more info please call 914.502.1414.

Watch MTV’s Teen Cribs This Tuesday @ 5pm

2009-04-23T11:37:00.004-04:00

This Tuesday, MTV will be featuring the third episode of their newest breed in the crib's series: Teen Cribs. The show aims at showcasing everyday teens living in extraordinary homes, including a home designed by Carol JW Kurth Architects. Located in Westchester, NY this home, aptly named "Five Star" and will be featured on Tuesday, April 28 at 5pm on MTV. Check it out! (Tune in Saturday at 2pm for a sneak peek of next week's Teen Cribs.)

Spring is here and it’s time for a new coat of paint

2009-04-16T11:07:00.001-04:00

The Low Down on VOC's:
According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is 2 to 5 times higher than that of outdoor air; this is mainly due to the off-gassing from within our homes. It is estimated that 10% of the ozone depleting substances in the urban United States come from paints and other surface coatings. The harmful components in these products are the volatile organic compounds (or VOC's). VOC's are organic chemical compounds emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Normally found in the environment as naturally occurring gasses (ie. methane), VOC's are harmful when used heavily indoors. Common household products contain high levels of VOC's including paints, paint strippers, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, moth repellents, air fresheners, stored fuels, automotive products, hobby supplies and dry-cleaned clothing. In addition, items like our carpet and furniture also play a huge role in indoor air pollution.

First Steps: The average gallon of paint contains at least 150 grams per liter of VOC and when you consider how many square feet of painted walls are in an average home, switching to a zero-VOC paint will have a dramatic impact on a home's air quality. Acrylic- Water Based Paints: Mythic Paint offers a variety of colors and sheens in their water based acrylic paint, and they are one of the few manufactures that offer zero-VOC in a high gloss sheen. (For more info www.mythicpaint.com or if you are in the neighborhood, visit the mythic paint store in Bedford Hills).
Once you've chosen a color, make sure to get an accurate amount of paint (one gallon usually gets you about 300- 350 square feet of coverage). Buying a sturdy nylon brush will save you time and money in the long run. If your project lasts more than one day, be sure to tightly wrap your brushes in used, clean produce or plastic bags. This will save you time and water.

Cleaning up!
Clean up is easy, water based acrylics only require soap and water for clean up. Remember, if you have splatters on floors, clothing or furniture, cleaning them up with soap and water before they dry is the only way to prevent them from staining.

Excess Paint: To keep left over paint, transfer excess paint into a smaller container (such as a glass jar) and close tightly. Turn upside down during storage to avoid contamination from air leakage.
If you don't want to hold on to your paint and you have less than a quarter of paint, open the lid and leave in a well ventilated area for a few days to dry. The can and paint can be separated after the paint has dried. Most water based paints are biodegradable and can be thrown in with your regular trash and recycle the steel paint can. If you have more than a quarter of paint left, consider donating to a local school, theater group, community center, a Habitat for Humanity chapter or Keep America Beautiful affiliates, or call you town to see if you have there is a local paint recycler. If donating is not an option, add Waste Paint Hardener^TM (available at most paint stores), kitty litter, mulch, or shredded paper to act as a bulking/drying agent.

Hope these "greening" tips help with your spring painting project!

A-HOME HOUSE PARTY :: spring benefit

2009-04-09T12:50:00.011-04:00

"This whimsical LEED Certified Birdhaus, designed by The Office of Carol J.W. Kurth and construction by Legacy Construction, LLC., is inspired by iconic Bauhaus Architecture and Le Corbusier's theories about green space. This playful bird house incorporates a green moss roof, a bird nesting tower with a water cooling reflective pool above. When rain overflows the scupper overflow creates a waterfall that in turn waters the moss roof. The green roof serves as leisure space, gardening, and harvesting of indigenous plant life. A seed circle is provided for communal feeding, and a south facing shaded area with play perch for the bird's amusement is integrated. Bird holes and heights were carefully researched with data from the US Department of Interiors." - Carol JW Kurth

BID FOR OUR ONE-OF-A-KIND "BIRDHAUS"!!!!!!!!

A-HOME House Party!
Friday May 1, 2009
The Salem Golf Club Bloomer Road, North Salem, NY

A benefit to sponsor A-Home, a not-for-profit community based organization that works to strengthen northern Westchester neighborhoods by providing people safe and affordable places to live – the foundation of a stable life.

For more information call 914-666-0740

Open Bar
Cocktails at 7pm
Dinner at 8pm

LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION!

[Like what you see? OOCK is now taking orders on one of a kind bird houses, call 914.234.6426]

John Rapetti, Associate AIA is now LEED AP

2009-04-01T09:14:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to one of our own, John Rapetti, Associate AIA is now a LEED Accredited Professional.

Check out OOCK’s feature in Westchester Home Magazine

2009-03-10T09:13:00.001-04:00

Westchester Home Magazine names OOCK as one of Westchester's Sensational NEW Stores!

http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/March-2009/34-Sensational-New-Stores/

tapped

2009-02-17T10:37:00.003-05:00

By the 2030 the United Nations estimates two-thirds of the world will lack access to clean drinking water. This is an alarming number and the future is not so far off. Stephanie Soechtig, director and producer, takes a look at the bottled water industry in the upcoming documentary, Tapped. This film addresses the major crisis surrounding the industry and its effects on our health, climate change, pollution, our reliance on oil, as well as what we can do to help prevent this crisis.

Please take a few moments and follow this link: http://www.tappedthemovie.com

Carol J.W.Kurth, AIA Architect is now a LEED AP

2009-01-15T11:22:00.001-05:00

The Office of Carol J.W. Kurth is available for architectural (commercial or residential) projects planning on achieving LEED certification from the USGBC. Please contact our office at (914)234-2595 or contact us at carol.kurth@carolkurtharchitects.com For more information on LEED please visit: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=51 .

Frugality = Green

2009-01-15T11:13:00.001-05:00

………Frugal, Thrifty, Meager…… call it what you will. I will call it 2009. It seems the running theme for this year, is stretching your dollar for all the elasticity it possibly has. When I start hearing news reports comparing today's financial percentages to those from the 1930's, I know it can't be a good thing. But here is some good news, all this doom and gloom may actually blossom some pretty positive things.

Save your gas….exit fuel guzzling hummers…enter fuel efficient, vegetable eating, hybrid, electric wonders that have been waiting years for their moment in the sun (for solar cars, I mean literally). Thanks to the demand from high fuel costs last year, car companies are manufacturing more fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles. If you have to drive, hybrids are the lesser of two evils when it comes to air pollution. For those who can't afford a new hybrid, use mass transit- it s even more green.

If it's broken, fix it… In this year of frugality we will now be more aware of the value an object has. For so long, our country has seen leaps and bounds in technology, and with it, affordable new gadgets and computers. The backlash to it all has been the exuberant amount of waste, which has been exponentially growing over the years. Although we have become more aware of recycling those items which formally held such value to us, the stockpile of toxin-emitting trash continues to grow. My advice is to see if you can fix it. I did it when my 10 year old vacuum began blowing dirt instead of sucking it. After a lengthy investigation I found the culprit, a nail, which had lodged itself into the fan and created a hole in the belt and, over time, destroyed both. Without leaving my house, I went online and ordered a new $15 part for my vacuum instead of wasting money on a new vacuum and further adding to the previously mentioned trash problem. Not only did I save money but my self reliance felt pretty satisfying.

Consumer power….. In our present global economy, we can easily lose sight of where our every day goods come from, what they are made of and what impact they have on our bodies and our planet. Now that demand is down, we as consumers have the power to pressure manufactures to produce products made with non toxic material in a closed looped system (aka products are returned to nature or created into another useful product at the end of its life cycle). We can also demand LONG LASTING products; goods that don't purposefully die out because they were designed to do exactly that. It s high time manufactures get back to making goods that have a longevity to them like they used make years ago.

At OOCK, we have a wide assortment of green, high quality, long lasting products. Come check out our boutique located at the Arcade Building in Bedford, NY. We also offer full design services with everything from reupholstering old furniture with low emitting fabrics to redesigning your home to be more energy efficient and healthier for you and your family.

FINDING THE PERFECT GREEN GIFT!

2008-12-02T13:26:00.011-05:00

Daub & Bauble Gift Sets

Specially wrapped Hand Wash and Shea Butter infused Lotion with the deliciously scented aroma of Tarocco Orange and Clove!

This gift set is the perfect way to say "Thank you" to a Party Host(ess) or friend!

OOCK is open Monday thru Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you can't make it in, here are some other ways to order:

*Fax (914)234-2595 *Telephone (914) 234 6426 *Email info@carolkurtharchitects.com

Visa, Mastercard or Amex

In celebration of this Thanksgiving, OOCK would like to give you Our Top 5 reasons you should be Green with Thanks …

2008-11-25T14:19:00.003-05:00

5. The End of the Plastic Bag Era - Cities like San Francisco are banning plastic bags, and for good reason, plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, and as they litter they break down into tiny pieces which leak into our water and soil as well as harm our wildlife. Banning plastic bags nationwide would save retailers roughly $ 4 billion annually! Ireland's plastic bag tax has reduced oil consumption by approximately 18 million liters a year and raised $9.6 billion in the first year. Ireland's population is 6 million compared with the United States' population of over 300 million, if we were to follow their lead we could see a 50x larger reduction in oil and increase in tax surplus!!!

4. Bringing the Past full Circle – There has been a significant increase in the amount of "waste" being diverted from landfills and into factories. Manufacturers are finding more ways than one to use a product after it has outlived its purpose. This surge in reuse is helping to make our oceans and lands more healthy.

3. Improved Air Quality - Paints, fabrics and thousands of other products are now being produced in a Low or No-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) format. These products produce little or no off gassing resulting in cleaner and better quality air. Off gassing has been linked to cancer and asthma; improving our air can sustain not only our environment but our lives as well.

2. The Green Economy - In the advent of global warming, industries were slow to change their ways, but with new social awareness, consumers are demanding products that are better for the environment and better for their health. The result is high quality goods that can sustain our environment and human life itself. The new movement is also bringing on a new infrastructure
of "green collar workers".

1. Building a Brighter Future – The decisions we make today consequently and severely affect the generations that follow us. By choosing eco friendly products and sustainable methods for transportation and building, we will have a brighter future for our children. Here at OOCK we can help you achieve that future! Happy Thanksgiving.

Westchester Cottages and Gardens Magazine: “The Glamour Issue featuring Gorgeous Gifts”

2008-11-18T14:08:00.010-05:00

(hmm….. so I guess being Green can be Glamorous!)

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Westchester C&G Magazine is featuring an OOCK holiday item, Chalk Board Candles, as one of their favorite luxury gifts! The rewritable candle is offered in three delectable scents: Persian Fig, Pomegranate, and Lemon Grass.

Handmade in California, these accent pieces are made from 100% soy wax and housed in a sleek reusable chalkboard container. Perfect for a holiday gift or housewarming present, these inviting rays of light can bring warmth to any home.

http://www.wcandg.com/nov08/gifts/bedroom.php

The Quirky thing about CORK

2008-11-04T11:55:00.002-05:00

These days Cork is synonymous with "sustainability". Although it has been used for centuries to keep wine fermenting, the wine industry's by-product has resulted in all sorts of new uses, from flooring to fabric to concrete composite. Its sustainable attributes include not only its post industrial reuse, but the cork tree's renewability. The attractiveness of the cork oak tree is its' ability to re-grow its bark after it has been harvested. Cork is strong, light weight, and fireproof. It has proven to have a lasting capability in the history of its manufactured life.

OOCK is offering a selective line of Cork products including flooring, fabric and custom made cork ottomans.

2008-10-29T09:49:00.012-04:00

New Soy Panels: Voted Eco-friendly Product of the Year by Interior Design Magazine

This year, Inhabit's Embossed Wall Flats were voted by Interior Design Magazine as "Eco-Friendly Product of the Year". The beauty (and eco-friendliness) of this type wall treatment is its modular design and unparalleled versatility. Made from bamboo pulp, one of the world's most renewable resources, each 18" square panel can be placed on almost all types of wall surfaces with non toxic adhesive. The wall flat's raw surface can be painted with low voc paint and arranged to conquer any design dilemma. Wall Flats can easily be used to beautify tough-to-remove wall paper or damaged walls. They can also create free standing artwork that will make for a great conversation piece and help save the environment all at the same time.

OOCK has a variety of Embossed Wall Flats available. When you visit our boutique, our designers can assist you in picking the right style for your project needs. Consultation and on-site installation are available through The Office of Carol Kurth AIA Architect, PC and The Carol Kurth Collection,Ltd. for an additional cost. Panels are $86 per 10 panels.

Dimensions: 18"x18" panels
Content: 10 panels per box
Coverage: 22.5 square feet
Material: 100% molded bamboo paper pulp.
No chemical fillers or additives.
Color: Off-white paintable surface
Hand: Feels like a dense hardboard.

Westchester County Business Journal Article - Oct.17, 2008

2008-10-17T10:51:00.006-04:00

Check out Kelly Liyakasa's article in the Westchester County Business Journal entitled:

"How green is my store: Sustainable interior design in Bedford"

www.wcbizj.biz/archive/101308/news10130808.php

2008-09-30T15:30:00.012-04:00

Spotlight::

Green Materials:: Pandan, Mendong and Palm Wood

In today's green market there are a wide variety of available green resources that have been popping up and replacing the otherwise antiquated, non renewable and toxic materials we have been accustomed to living with until now. Three materials that have been growing rapidly in both popularity and in nature are Pandan, Mendong and Palmwood. Products made from these materials preserve an internal commitment to reduce environmental impact as well as maintain a sustainable rural ecosystem.

Pandan

A beautiful fruit plant native to Indonesia. The production of woven Pandan is renewable because of the way in which it is produced. Local craftspeople remove only young leaves from the wild plant in order to allow for regeneration. The leaves are sliced and woven into beautiful patterns which can either be dyed (with safe dyes) or left in their natural color.

Mendong

Mendong is a harvested grass that grows in fields and provides purification for ground water. Each harvest can be cut six times prior to replanting. The fiber then can be dyed and hand loomed with mono-filament to create a polished weave

Palm Wood

Traditionally, the Palm Wood (of which there are several different varieties) was harvested for about 70 years, at which point the tree would stop producing fruit. Farmers would then timber these plants, discard the remains and replant. Recently these otherwise discarded trees have been salvaged and recycled into everything from flooring to furniture.

**The items featured are manufactured by Via Motif. OOCK is a registered Via Motif dealer.
For more information call: (914) 234-6426 or visit our shop: M-F 9am to 5pm, The Arcade Building, Rt.22 Bedford, NY 10506.

Launch!

2008-09-01T10:30:00.003-04:00

Bedford, NY – OOCK, a design resource for sustainable living and the first green design boutique in the region, is opening it’s doors next week at The Arcade Building in Bedford Village, NY.

OOCK, is an acronym for Office Of Carol Kurth, an award winning Architectural firm based in Westchester, NY that has created the sustainable design store.

OOCK will be the first physical retail presence in the area that is completely dedicated to green products for the home. While many existing stores feature green merchandise, OOCK’s entire product offering is devoted to the ideal of sustainablility. Further, OOCK offers a comprehensive retail experience to help educate customers about eco-design. OOCK is also launching a weblog, which will offer tips on sustainable living for the home.

Created to showcase exciting possiblities for green home décor and environmental concepts, the OOCK philosophy is that responsible living can be luxurious and in harmony with one’s lifestyle.

Visit OOCK Monday thru Friday 9AM to 5PM or by appointment.

China's Green City

2008-08-12T15:09:00.008-04:00

It's exciting to see China seems to be taking environmental issues more seriously- their abysmal environmental policies around their population centers have led to some serious problems and tragic losses.

While China's new green city, Dongtan.

According to Business Week,

"About the size of Manhattan, Dongtan aims to be energy self-sufficient using a combination of wind, solar power, and biofuels. The brainchild of Arup Group, a London-based design and engineering firm, the multibillion-dollar project consists of three "villages" juxtaposed to create a central civic area. The plan dictates that no dwelling be more than a seven-minute walk from fuel-cell-powered public transport. Organic farms surrounding the development will supply residents with fresh produce and buffer the island's delicate wetland ecosystem. In 2010, apartments will become available to about 5,000 residents. By 2050, the planners predict, the headcount will hit 500,000."

While our first reaction was that it was just a public relations ploy by China, especially after all the negative press about air quality in Beijing for the Olympics, but after reading the specifics of the plan (and that they were produced by an independent British contractor), it seems to be an impressive display of China's power for positive change. We hope there's more to come, both in China and here, in this same vein.

OOCK emerging....

2008-07-14T18:26:00.000-04:00

The Office of Carol JW Kurth,AIA Architect,pc is is about to launch OOCK, a sustainable "green" design boutique in Bedford, NY, near the Bedford Village Green in the Arcade Building.

In these pre-opening days we are getting our displays organized, testing our eco-friendly products as they arrive each day, and are generally just excited to be able to offer sustainable design options. We look forward to customer suggestions as we add to our growing collection of susatinable design products, from recycled plastics made into magnificent textiles to organic cotton bedding and natural soaps and lotions.

Part of our mission is to help educate the public about the myriad types of "green" and to help take some of the confusion about all these terms and clarify it in some simple and manageable terms...which, by the way, new ones seem to be added all the time!

Look for our OOCK bookmarks, hangtags and posters - the OOCK dictionary of green terminology - to help categorize and understand the many ways that all of us can be environmentally responsible!