south bay may 2011

SOUTH BAY/SILICON VALLEY

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MAY/JUNE 2011

ideas and resources for your home

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Healthy Homes Contemporary Patios

Outdoor Living

South Bay May/June 2011 4/21/11 5:12 PM

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M A Y / J U N E 2 O 11

ON THE COVERPhoto: Antiqued Dublin Cobbles from BelgardHardscapes. (www.summerclassics.com)

[ C O N T E N T S ]10

10 Innovative DesignYour backyard paradise begins with the rightpatio cover.by Natasha Hampton

14 Colors! Shapes! Design!Distinguished luxury for your hardscape.by Xu Bei Shi

16 Pools That Make a SplashTurn your backyard into a destination.by Patricia Haller

18 Natural VentilationShades and screens add beauty and comfort to your living space.by Robert Clemens

O U T D O O R L I V I N G16

14

8

South Bay/Silicon Valley THM May/June 2011 5

8 Green LumberSaving the planet, one piece of wood ata time.by Gabrielle Saveri

20 Keeping Your Home HealthyWhat indoor air quality has to say aboutyour health.by Lisa Winer

South Bay May/June 2011 4/21/11 5:12 PM


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Volume 13, Issue X • May/June 2010

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Xu Bei ShiLisa Winer

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IN A WORLD OF EXTREME ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL UPS

and downs, Jackel Enterprises, Inc.—a specialty lumber yardlocated in Watsonville, CA—caters to “green” and non-green

builders nationwide and stands out as a beacon of light in theefforts to help maintain the earth’s balance.

Founded in 1991, Jackel Enterprises sells woods that are“meant to be seen”—high-grade softwoods from California andthe northwest, and exotic hardwoods from all over the world.The company provides custom millwork to discerning craftsmen,builders and homeowners throughout the country, and has beendoing so for almost two decades. “We deal with end users, butprimarily, we deal with the fabricator,” says company presidentSteve Jackel. “We want the reader to find interest in our materials, and refer us to their designer or contractor.”

Although many of Jackel’s clients don’t necessarily build“green,” the company prides itself on working with urban,suburban and rural salvage woods. “We find trees out in thewoods,” says Jackel. The company is certified by the ForestStewardship Council (FSC), and has also been acknowledged by the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance as a chain-of-custody company, making it one of the mostenvironmentally-friendly lumber companies in California.

Additionally, Jackel Enterprises has recently developed its own green certification program and created its own logo to show consumers which Jackel products are recycled andsustainably produced. “I’ve been doing urban, suburban and rural salvage since 1973,” says Jackel. “It was all about walkingsoftly on the earth, which is my thing—leaving a soft carbonimprint so that there’s something left for future generations.”

As part of its green efforts, Jackel Enterprises emphasizes its unique Box Beams—three-sided faux timber beams milledprimarily using Douglas fir or other wood species. The beams are usually used to clad steel members or to visually enhance a room’s particular style. “Box Beams are made mainly out of FSC-certified materials,” explains Jackel. “They’re economical,you’re using less wood mass to achieve an effect that would beakin to using more mass. And they’re especially great for aSpanish- or Mediterranean-style home where the work simulatesantique timbers.”

Jackel Enterprises first got into the Box Beam business overfive years ago when Steve was doing solid timberwork using


recycled wood for various projects. A client came in one day witha problem covering up a steel beam and asked what could bedone. Jackel’s mill shop brainstormed and came up with the BoxBeam. Then another client came in asking for the same thing, butwith a faux hand-hewn finish on it. “We retrofitted his whole house,and soon discovered there was a market for this,” says Jackel.

Jackel takes his woods very seriously. He began his woodworkingcareer making musical instruments but realized his strengths lay in the buying and selling andworking with woods. “I am a merchantwith leanings towards alchemy,” he says.“The fact is, I love wood. I love theincredible uniqueness of each stick, the inescapable variation of grains,colors, textures and odor. When I view a completed work, I am always amazed,taken by the beauty of the piece and by the pride of the craftsman.”

As a craftsman, Jackel believes that itis his duty to create a beautiful product,and to do so in a way that does not harm the planet. “That’s what ‘green’ means,” he says. “The alchemist is concerned withtransformations. He takes raw materials and transforms them to a higher state. That’s what we do when we go into someone’shome. We’re always involved in increasing the intrinsic value ofwhat we’re working on. When we say added value, we mean it.”

For more information, contact Jackel Enterprises, Inc. at (800) 711-9663 or visit www.jackelenterprises.com. THM

Green LumberBY GABRIELLE SAVERI

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[ O U T D O O R L I V I N G ]

Innovative

10 May/June 2011 THM South Bay/Silicon Valley

Closed for heavy rain All available sun Full overhead sun Maximum ventilation

THE CONTEMPORARY PATIO HAS COME A LONG WAYfrom the days when it consisted mainly of a wooden patiotable, a bar-b-q, and a couple of chairs. Today, in many

homes the patio is one of the nicest “rooms” of the house.Outdoor kitchens rival their indoor counterpart with granitecovered bar-b-q islands, complete with high quality cook-tops,side burners, refrigerators, sinks, and even an oven can beincluded. Luxury outdoor furniture, whether teak, rod iron, orresin-wicker, are just as nice, and often more expensive thantheir indoor cousins. Many outdoor rooms include fireplaces orfire pits, high end dining sets, and large screen televisions forcatching games on the weekend.

A quest to create the perfect outdoor living environment for all seasons, climates, and settings has produced a unique,fully adjustable, and waterproof louvered roof system calledVergola. This amazing patio cover allows you to maximize theuse of patios, decks, walkways, and balconies, enabling you to choose and control the amount of sunlight and shade thatsuits your purposes.

The Vergola Opening Roof System is constructed of colorbond steel louvers that rotate from completely closed to 155degrees open, by use of a small motor. It is safe to use andincredibly easy to operate. A portable-remote controls theoperation of the louvers. Rain sensors are standard to close the louvers during periods of bad weather. Each Vergola canalso be programmed to adjust the position of the louvers several times a day for optimal protection and ventilation.

The Vergola offers many benefits, including:VERSATILITY. It can be built as a patioroof, carport, commercial cover, or to cover aswimming pool. It can also be installed flat,pitched, or used vertically as a privacy screen.

CLIMATE CONTROL. The slim louvers canbe positioned during winter months to castthe sun’s natural warmth into rooms to saveon energy costs. During the summer, they can be moved to block direct sunlight to protectyour home from unwanted solar heating.

LIGHT CONTROL. With the push of abutton, the louvers can be moved to give thedesired amount of light into your residence.This is a great way to naturally illuminatework or living areas while cutting back onpower consumption. >>



DesignYOURBACKYARDPARADISEBEGINSWITH THERIGHTPATIOCOVER.

BY NATASHA HAMPTON



VENTILATION. During the summer months, a place in theshade is where you want to be. The Vergola provides this byangling the louvers to a partially open position. Even in lightrain, the louvers can be left partially open and the water willdrain away in the contours of the louver.

RAIN PROTECTION. The Vergola Opening Roof System has a uniquely designed louver that provides complete overlap tohelp prevent rain penetration. Coupled with the rain sensor, you needn’t worrying about protecting your patio furniture ininclement weather.

SHADE CONTROL. You can control the precise amount ofshade desired. The amount of heat and light can be varied for work or relaxation. For those with sensitive skin or thoseconcerned about health risks associated with sun exposure, the Vergola is an ideal solution. Full light can be enjoyedwithout direct sunlight.

Imagine being able to control heat and light on your patioat the touch of a button. With the Vergola system, you canenjoy the outdoors year-round and worry-free.

Since 1999, Screen Solutions has been providing customsolutions to common problems for bay area homeowners andcompanies. Using retractable and innovative products, theytake a solutions based approach to provide insect protection,and solar control of damaging UV and heat. Doors, windows,and large openings can be controlled and patios turned into comfortable living spaces. Complete from design toinstallation, their professionals will measure, determine thebest sun angle, and discuss the different options for yourproject. Call them for a free consultation meeting.

For more information or a demonstration of the Vergola Opening RoofSystem, visit their website at www.vergolasouthwest.com or call ScreenSolutions at (408) 374-8156. THM

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INTERLOCKING CONCRETE PAVERS have changed the surfacingindustry by providing beautiful alternatives to glaring white concreteand black asphalt. Pavers are a manufactured concrete product that

are four times stronger than poured in place concrete and come with a Lifetime Manufacturer’s guarantee against cracking or breaking.

“A paver driveway adds value and instant curb appeal to any home,” says Dave Garcia, President and CEO of Paver Pro. Garcia, a Bay Area native, has over 25 years of landscaping experience and his work has been featured on HGTV’s Curb Appeal and The DiscoveryChannel’s Renovation Nation. Paver Pro was a Gold Medal Winner at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show and has numerous ShowcaseProjects throughout the area.

“Pavers have become a popular hardscape option for many homeownersfor driveways, pool decks, patios and walkways,” explains Garcia. Paversare made in a variety of colors, styles, textures and patterns, includingpavers that look like flagstone or real cobblestones.

In today’s economy clients want value and affordability. “A key benefitof interlocking concrete pavers is that they are not as expensive as mostpeople think,” explains Garcia. Pavers are comparable and sometimes lessexpensive than stamped and colored concrete. “Most people don’t realizethat a paver patio will cost a lot less than a wooden deck,” he continues.

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Paver Pro’s Design Consultants offer a full service experience to their customers. The consultants assist homeowners with the layout and design of their project and help them select the pavers that will be best suited to the style and color of their home. “In addition to our exceptional project portfolios, we are very proud to share hundreds of reference letters with potential customers, “says Mike Mikolajcik,Director of Landscaping for Paver Pro. “We are a Diamond Certifiedcompany, so our clients know that they can be confident when theychoose Paver Pro,” continues Mikolajcik.

Proper installation of pavers by a licensed contractor is imperative.Paver Pro’s installations meet or exceed ICPI (Interlocking ConcretePavement Institute) Standards, and this process allows the pavers tomove slightly with the earth, therefore avoiding cracking that is typicallyseen with concrete or asphalt. Pavers truly stand the test of time; theRomans used a similar interlocking paver process to construct theinfamous Appian Way in 312 BC.

To ensure lasting beauty, Paver Pro utilizes options to prevent weedsfrom growing in between the pavers. “We can install special polymericsand in the joints of the pavers that will prevent seeds from germinatingand growing,” says Garcia, “or use a sealer with sand-lock properties,which will also enhance the color of the pavers.”

Pavers are beautiful and affordable as well as being virtually maintenancefree making them a perfect choice for today’s conscientious homeowner.

For more information about pavers for your hardscape project call Paver Pro at (888) 804-9180 or visit www.paverpro.com. Free consultation. Evening and weekendappointments are available. Financing available. THM


the sound of traffic or other ambient noise to make the poolarea feel more peaceful and isolated.

FIRE AND WATERFire features can be as simple as tiki torches or as dramaticas bright flames leaping out of a waterfall urn. “It’sbeautiful to see those at night,” says Roger. “The firereflecting off the water gives a whole different element to the backyard.”

VANISHING EDGEAlso called an Infinity Edge, this feature creates a horizon-like illusion to a swimming pool. Popular for hillsideproperties with spectacular views, Lifetime Pools also uses it to create a mirrored effect for pools surrounded byinteresting trees and shrubs. Either way, says Roger, “theeye is drawn to the background because there is no hardedge of the water to stop it.” A Vanishing Edge changesyour perspective, focusing attention on the beauty beyondthe pool to make it part of your backyard resort.

DRAMATIC LIGHTINGModern LED technology lights up the water at night andlends a romantic glow to the whole backyard. You canchange the color of the lights to fit your mood, or program

Pools That Make a Splash

LIKE A GREAT VACATION RESORT, today’s backyardpools are a one-stop destination for family fun,relaxation, and the kind of stunning beauty that

leaves your cares behind. Bay Area homeowners putting in pools today want

amenities that encourage play, exercise and relaxation, as well as aesthetic features that enhance the look oftheir backyard, says Roger Bailey, Construction Managerfor Lifetime Pools of Palo Alto, one of the most respectedpool builders in the Bay Area. The goal, he says, is to create a pool that makes the whole backyard morefunctional, more enjoyable, and more beautiful.

“As professionals, we make recommendations basedon your needs and desires and help make your pool afeature you use all the time—in the daytime for play andat night for atmosphere,” says Roger. So whether it’s a new pool or a renovation, Lifetime Pools makes it domore by maximizing shallow water play space that can beenjoyed by the whole family; installing swim machines forexercise; and carefully crafting a resort-like atmosphere.

A few of Lifetime Pools best recommendations:CASCADES AND WATERFALLSThe splash of running water adds a soothing sound anddynamic movement to the backyard. It also helps muffle


Turn your backyardinto a destination.


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!

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them to create changing light displays. For even moredrama, use LEDs in water jets to send brightly coloredstreams of water arching the pool.

Turning an ordinary backyard into a poolside resort isan investment, but even in a slow economy, it’s one thathomeowners all over the Bay Area are making. It is driven,in part, by the desire to get the most out of their backyardand pool, says Roger. It’s also fueled by new technologiesthat make owning and maintaining a pool easier and moreenergy efficient than ever before.

With so many possibilities, today’s backyard pool hascome a long way since the company was founded in 1962,and Lifetime Pools has led the way in that transformation.Recognized many times for quality service and designexcellence, they continue to use their experience andexpertise to help homeowners all over the Bay Area createpools that turn ordinary backyards into vacation resorts.

To find out how to make your new or existing pool more enjoyable,more beautiful and more energy efficient, contact Lifetime Pools at(650) 494-7070 or visit www.lifetimepools.com. The office is located at 910 San Antonio Road in Palo Alto. THM


OUR EXCEPTIONAL BAY AREA CLIMATE is just one of manythings that make this a spectacular place to call home. Formost of the year, warm days and cool evenings reduce our

need for heating to a few months, and air conditioning to a few days. The intelligent use of shades and screens to prevent heat gainduring the day and allow natural ventilation to cool us in the eveningsaves on our energy bill, and allows us to do our part to reduce ourimpact on the environment.

OPEN THE DOOR TO COMFORTCurb appeal is an important consideration. A standard screen doormasking a graceful front door detracts from a home’s aesthetic quality.Phantom Screens’ line of door screens wait for use, discreetly rolled up in their cleverly designed, low-profile housing until it’s time to openthe door, enjoy the fresh air and allow for important cross-ventilation.They are available in nine standard colors and hundreds of customcolors and finishes to blend with any exterior, preserving your curb

appeal, but available “on-demand” when you’re ready to enjoyour wonderful weather.

Single doors, double French doors, sliding doors, in-swing or outward opening doors—Phantom screens can fit nearly everydoor size and configuration. The elegant charm of French doorsis lost with conventional screening. But because every Phantomscreen is custom fit for each door, nothing detracts from a home’sdesign. The screen is there when it’s needed and practicallydisappears when it’s not.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INThe use of large openings, permitted by the development oflarge lift-and-slide, and bi-folding door systems allow us to bringthe outdoors in, merging our living spaces. There are a numberof options, both manual and motorized for screening oversizeopenings. The remotely controlled, motorized Executive dropsdown from the top to provide protection from insects for theopening, and, as if by magic, can instantly create a screened in patio on demand. With the use of solar fabrics, these outdoorrooms can then be climate controlled, or used to provideprotection from sun damage and heat gain. There is almost no space for which Phantom Screens can’t provide a screeningoption. Available in sizes up to 25' wide by 16' tall, at the touchof a button, homeowners can enjoy their indoor or outdoorspaces with excellent ventilation and protection from insects.


BY ROBERT CLEMENS

NaturalVentilation

Shades and screens add beauty andcomfort to your living space.

Screen Closed

Screen Open



South Bay/Silicon Valley THM May/June 2011 19

Open Up Your Living Space

Let fresh air into your home without unwelcome insects or glare of direct

sunlight. Designed for doors, windows and large openings, Phantom Screens

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SCREEN SOLUTIONSInterior and Exterior Automated Shading Systems

425 Salmar Avenue • Campbell • 408.374.8156Showroom by Appointment


In addition to Phantom Screens’ line of retractable door screens,and oversize solutions, they offer retractable window screens. TheSerene line provides sun protection and pest screening for casement,sliding and single- and double-hung windows.

Phantom Screens hand assembles all of its products in itsmanufacturing facility in Canada, and Screen Solutions, the distributorfor Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, has minimized the time from order to installation by stocking many sizes and colors. Phantomscreens are custom fit onsite and can usually be installed in 1-2 weeks, depending on the time of year. By cutting out the time forfactory ordering, Screen Solutions provides nearly instant satisfactionfor its customers.

Screen Solutions has provided the South Bay and Peninsula the fullrange of Phantom products and their own installation expertise for over10 years. After installing more than 20,000 screens for many satisfiedcustomers, Screens Solutions knows that this is a partnership that willendure for years to come—just like their products.

Explore the full range of Phantom Screen products at www.screensolutiononline.com. Call Screen Solutions at (408) 374-8156 for a free consultation, to make anappointment to visit their showroom in Campbell, or to schedule an installation. THM

ROOM WITH A VIEW, $695“Homeowners need design advice withoutfeeling the pressure to buy,” says Sandy Wulf,owner. The session includes 3 hours in yourhome answering decorating questions and providing room-by-room specific designideas/products with below retail shoppingsources. The fee includes a color portfolio of all information.

www.crackerjackcreations.com408.241.4044

BROCHURE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.


DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THE AIR

quality inside your home is poor? The EnvironmentalProtection Agency reports that air quality inside a

home can be 10 times worse than outdoors. And it’s gottenworse over the past 15 or so years, in terms of mold spores,dust particles, chemicals and volatile organic compounds.

The health of the home is something that needs to betaken care of, says Russ Donnici, president of Mechanical AirService. If you have allergies or asthma, this is particularlyimportant, as formaldehyde, mold and dust can aggravateexisting health conditions. Exposure to formaldehyde, foundin building materials, paints, and finishes, has been shown to cause asthma.

Mechanical Air has certified inspectors that can examinethe condition of the air quality in your home and makerecommendations based on that information. A wide range of solutions is available to the homeowner. One that is simpleand has a high return on investment is having the air ducts in your HVAC system cleaned, says Russ.

Another possible option is pressure testing of the ductsystem and sealing leaks. A leaky HVAC system not onlywastes energy, but also can suck in contaminants from underthe house and other places. A high-efficiency air filtrationsystem can significantly increase the amount of mold sporesand dust filtered out of the air as well as save energy.

Ultraviolet light systems are also of great interest, as they can kill mold spores, bacteria, and viruses; they’ve been shown to be particularly effective for those with moldallergies. New building codes require air conditioning systemsto bring a small amount of fresh air into the home to dilutecontaminants, providing a health effect.

Mechanical Air is a second-generation, six time nationalaward winning company based in north San Jose. The vastmajority of their clients come from referrals and they pridethemselves on their quick turnaround, skilled technicians, and valued service in the Bay Area community. They are agreat resource for handling the crucial issue of keeping youhealthy and well inside your home.

For more information and all your heating and airconditioning needs and questions, please contact MechanicalAir Service at (800) 913-HVAC(4822) or visit their website,www.mechanicalairservice.com. THM

BY LISA WINER

Dust mite.

Keeping Your Home HealthyWhat indoor air quality has to say about your health.

Ultraviolet light system.

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Before After



[ C L C A ]

H O M E O F F I C E S • W A L L B E D S • M E D I A C E N T E R S • C L O S E T S • G A R A G E S

D E S I G N S O L U T I O N S F O R E V E R Y S T Y L E

A N D E V E R Y B U D G E T

V I S I T U S N O W A T W W W . V A L E T C U S T O M . C O M

A N D A T T H E F O L L O W I N G S H O W R O O M L O C A T I O N S :

C A M P B E L L 1 1 9 0 - J D E L L A V E N U E 4 0 8 . 3 7 0 . 1 0 4 1

D A N V I L L E 6 0 2 S Y C A M O R E V A L L E Y R O A D , W E S T 9 2 5 . 3 6 2 . 8 8 3 8

G R E E N C E RT I F I E D • S I N C E 1 9 7 3 • L I C E N S E # 7 8 2 2 1 7

$350 O F FS A V E $ 3 5 0 I N A C C E S S O R Y

U P G R A D E S W I T H P U R C H A S E

S O M E R E S T R I C T I O N S A P P L Y

CONSTRUCTION, INC.

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S I N C E 1 9 7 3 • L I C E N S E # 7 8 2 2 1 7

$

®Registered trademark/™Trademark/the shape of the stand mixer is a registered trademark of KitchenAid, U.S.A. ©2010. All rights reserved.

For additional information about KitchenAid® appliances, visit KitchenAid.com

A Suite with

Professional AppealThe KitchenAid® Pro Line™ Series suite of appliances embraces the vitality of bold, professional styling.

Attractive stainless steel finishes and robust Pro Line™ Handles adorn our French door bottom-freezer

refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave hood combination oven, and slide-in ranges. These appliances,

with familiar high-performance features and inspired aesthetics, are sure to invigorate the atmosphere

and draw you into the kitchen more than ever.

1500 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara

800-681-0508www.universityelectric.com

Family Owned & Operated Since 1919

Come see our recently remodeled and expanded showroom,

featuring Kitchen Aid Professional Series appliances.

south bay may 2011

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