Affordable Dream Houses | by Asul

So I was perusing the Dwell on Design 2010 site and came across the site Asul. Intrigued with the name I ventured in to see what Asul was all about. How delighted I was to find these really cool home structures. Asul is an inventive home and construction system developed by a team of Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Investors.

What I like about the homes are, they have a very modern look and they work on ANY lot. The key here is that the Asul team have developed a "system" that is adaptable to many requirements and scenarios.

The process is started by assessing your lot and housing needs and designing your house to work with your lot. Then the foundations start, which use caisson footings. So the home is elevated off the ground then the steel structure is brought into place. The steel structure is craned into place. The beauty of the steel structure, is that it absorbs the entire structural load of the home. Ao structural walls are unnecessary which gives you tons of design latitude within the structure. I also love how they integrated the joist hangers right into the steel i-beams. And since their are no exterior shear walls windows and doors can be added anywhere. So, I have an email into them about integrating my favorite modern glass garage doors. I think it has to be do-able.

Asul has 3 build options, You build which is around an amazing $25 a square foot. Option 2 is You and Asul build which is about $50 a square foot and Option 3 is Asul builds and this option is still an amazing $100 a square foot.

Check out the video on their site of how the construction process goes. I think I am sold.

Now I just need to sell my house and find that dream lot...

My Dream House | Alicia Hanson

Well some of you will find it to be no surprise that my dream house resembles a garage. Barton Myers is an amazing architect in Los Angeles. His firm designs projects from residences to large urban developments. My favorite house is his own house that was a working experiment to address his taste and the environment where the residence is located, specifically fire danger. The home is located in Toro Canyon, Montecito California. The house is comprised of 4 pavillons. To preserve against wild fire danger the pavillon roofs are comprised of recirculation pools that double as reflecting pools at this terrace home. The home also has steel roll up doors that enable to house to be completely shut if a fire does come through.

He has since built another smiliar house in Santa Barbara. I want to build something similar someday with large roll up glass garage doors.

Shed-a-licious

I want to build another shed-outbuilding on our lot. We have a lil metal tool shed that is taking up a fine cement slab that would certainly love one of these buildings on it. The top shed is certainly my favorite. I can't get enough of garage doors. In fact, my favorite house is pretty much entirely garage doors. I will have to blog about that next.

I have a thing for corrugated metal, not sure if it is because it is shiny and silver or what, but I am drawn to it like a moth to light. My front counter in my old sign shop had it. The bottom shed is from the site Reclaimed Space. They will be at this years Dwell on Design Show in LA June 25-27. Check it out. Did you see the cool outdoor furniture in the las picture. Love it...

Deer headpiece

I was perusing Etsy today and came across this cool headpiece. The artist said that she was inspired while reading Mark Ryden's Tree book. I love the model in the photo and the way the photographer captured everything so well. The dear headpiece is available on Etsy from Zara Carpenter's Etsy shop you can buy it here.

Since we are on the subject of deer. I thought I would show of one of my new necklaces. I am calling it the Deer Antler Huntress Necklace. I incorporated the antler into the chain, so the antler runs up around your neck. It is available at my Etsy store here.

Did you know that Deer symbolism includes gentleness in word, thought and touch. The ability to listen, grace and appreciation for the beauty of balance. Understanding of what's necessary for survival, power of gratitude and giving, ability to sacrifice for the higher good. The connection to the woodland goddess, and alternative paths to a goal.

Alicia Hanson Jewelry Line 2010

Alicia Hanson Jewelry Line 2010
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

Download it here and take a look through our new line: http://www.aliciahanson.com/2010-retail-line-sheets.pdf

Dog Chair

Dog Chair
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

Over the weekend I was in Las Vegas. We were perusing through the new Wynn Casino and one of the clothing stores had this chair. Everything about it just made me giggle. Love it.

AxelHoney Jewelry

This past weekend we participated in Acre Las Vegas. The show traffic was slower than we had anticipated. But, gave us a wonderful opportunity to meet many of our fellow artists. One artist that was our aisle neighbor was Axelhoney. Axelhoney is created by Santa Monica artist Melissa Contreras. Melissa is an illustrator and jewelry designer. I would describe her jewelry as sweet like honey with whimsy. Above are some of my favorite pieces. And below is one of my favorite illustrations Melissa has done. You can purchase her work on her website.

Teal and Orange

Teal and Orange
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

Aqua Succulents

Aqua Succulents
Originally uploaded by aliciadesign

Cleavage Caddy

Well I love the concept of this. The Cleavage Caddy. I often try to roll purseless, and this would sure make things easier. I would love to know if this is comfortable or not too.

It also seems like you have to be wearing the right cleavage showing top, so that you have access to your items. A button up shirt might make it hard. You can buy this handy item here.