Aga Artka Interior Design LLC » cork http://www.agaartka.com Telling Stories With Space. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:29:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 All things cork http://www.agaartka.com/design-lab/all-things-cork/ http://www.agaartka.com/design-lab/all-things-cork/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:45:12 +0000 aga http://www.agaartka.com/blog/?p=761 I am working on a project, where cork has become a dominating theme. We are installing cork flooring by Duro-Design. Redoing the bar to implement a clever wine storage solution. I am exploring ways to incorporate recycled wine stoppers into the front counter top and even cork artwork. While doing online research, I run into all these fascinating products.

SEATING

Cork table and stool by Jasper Morrison

Furniture contest entries for Design Within Reach

LIGHTING

Alentejo Pendant by Forecast Lighting

Sonoma 3-Light Pendant by Uttermost

Dome Oak Cork Pendant by Benjamin Hubert Studio

WALL APPLICATION

Sofa Bricks by Aya Koike

FUN STUFF

Cork bowling ball and pins by Jan D. Elftmann

]]> http://www.agaartka.com/design-lab/all-things-cork/feed/ 1 Cork http://www.agaartka.com/green-screen/cork/ http://www.agaartka.com/green-screen/cork/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:44:55 +0000 aga http://www.agaartka.com/blog/?p=197 The best thing about cork is that it is natural! Used in various industries from fashion (shoes, accessories) through beverage (cork stops, place mats, coasters) to residential applications like cork message boards, flooring, wall and ceiling tiles, insulation, furniture and more. As an interior designer, I have always been interested in cork’s various home applications for its numerous benefits, unique look and environmental aspects. Below is my personal product evaluation which includes cork’s green story, pros and cons, and links to interesting website. GREEN STORY:

Cork is a natural resource; it comes from the bark of the cork oak, which is mainly grown in Portugal, Spain and Italy. Only 20-year-old cork trees or older are used for cork processing and it takes another 8-10 years before the same tree can be stripped of its bark again. The first layer of cork is too rough to be used in wine cork production, but is used for other products. Only at the third harvest, when the tree is close to 45 years old, the quality of bark is good enough for wine cork production.

ADVANTAGES:

  • 100% reusable and recyclable
  • light weight
  • noise insulator
  • heat conductor
  • rot resistant, if sealed properly
  • impermeability to liquids and gas, if sealed properly
  • hypoallergenic properties
  • provides give/softness under foot
  • helps enhance indoor air quality (IAQ)
  • durability
  • longevity
  • unique beauty and character

DISADVANTAGES:

  • porous material/must be sealed
  • may stain without proper sealant
  • may fade without proper sealant
  • easily damaged by strong solvents
  • easily gouged/dented under pressure (heavy furniture, heels)
  • not recommended for basement/front entrance application for its porous nature

LINKS:

VIDEO

Interested in seeing samples of cork flooring, and where to get it locally?


CORK from Aga Artka on Vimeo.

]]> http://www.agaartka.com/green-screen/cork/feed/ 3