Kenneth R. Tremblay

Perceived Effefcts of Carpet on Indoor Air Quality

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of carpet on indoor air quality (IAQ) as perceived by practicing interior designers. A mail survey of 440 Rocky Mountain area designers was conducted. Findings revealed that designers perceived that carpet affected both IAQ and occupants’ health, and that glues/adhesives andfinishing chemicals were the carpet items most considered to affect IAQ. A minority of respondents felt that they had adequate IAQ information or actively searched for IAQ information. Statistically signijkant relationships existed between IAQ perceptions of carpet in general, IAQ information, and IAQ perceptions of specific carpet items.

Perceptions of Energy-Efficient Housing Alternatives Among Southern Households

AbstractSeveral energy-efficient housing alternatives that could substantially reduce residential energy costs have been developed in the United States. Three such alternatives are passive solar, active solar and earth-sheltered housing. However, consumer acceptance and adoption of these housing types is slow. The examination of perceived characteristics and features of these housing types offers insight into their acceptability and provides information useful in developing strategies to increase adoption. The positive and negative perceptions of these three housing alternatives as reported by Southern households who would and would not consider living in the three housing types are examined and compared. While the house types are generally perceived as energy-efficient, their “ design/appearance” emerges as a major factor that could be limiting acceptability. A high percentage of “uncertain/don’t know” and “nothing” responses also suggests that many potential consumers do not have enough information abou...

Commentary: Kitchen and Bath Trends for Housing

A call for papers for a special issue of Housing and Society on issues and opportunities in kitchen and bath design is contained in this journal. To help readers develop papers we thought it would be useful to present some of the trends in kitchen and bath design that were showcased at KlBIS 2007 (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and Conference) held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in May. It is most likely the best source for the latest trends and newest products in the kitchen and bath industry. We attended the show along with several other HERA members, including a large Virginia Tech contingent. KlBIS was attended by over 44,000 kitchen and bath professionals and educators during the four day event, according to KlBIS owner the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). The event featured professional development courses, roundtable discussions, keynote speakers, and special events in approximately 610,000 square feet ofexhibit space. There were more than 900 exhibitors. Trend spotting was an issue of considerable interest. Robyn Waters, author of The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contradictions ofthe New TrendLandscape, gave a presentation on trends and countertrends. She suggested that for every trend there is a countertrend, and often they are both valid. This was certainly apparent at KlBIS. There were energyand water-efficient products (good for green design) but in many cases they were so large they would require an extremely big kitchen and bath (bad for green design). Green design was one of the hot trends showcased at KlBIS. Manufacturers and designers are clearly recognizing that there exists a growing movement among consumers who want to help the environment without sacrificing great design. There were numerous eco-friendly products ranging from energy-efficient appliances, countertops and surfacing made from recycled and sustainable

Special Issue Introduction Trends in Kitchen and Bath Design Research

Kenneth R. Tremblay, Jr., is Professor, Department of Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO; Sherylin Doyle is Director of Professional Programs, National Kitchen and Bath Association, Hackettstown, NJ; JoAnn M. Emmel is Associate Professor, Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA; Carmen D. Steggell is Associate Professor, Department of Design and Human Environment, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; and Andrea Garvin is Head, Interior Design Program, Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada.

Design Needs and Criteria for Chronically Mentally Ill Persons

AbstractBased on the continuing trend of placing chronically mentally ill persons in community settings, a preliminary listing of design needs was developed through qualitative research. Such a listing can be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of current and planned residential settings for chronically mentally ill persons. Design criteria for an “ideal” group home meeting the 12 design needs were then developed. The “ideal” group home was illustrated through a floor plan and an axonometric view, with a discussion of how the ideal satisfies the design needs.

A Design Note on: Identifying Issues for the design of Small homes

AbstractOne housing alternative that conforms to the dominant American housing norms and preferences is the small, single-family house. The purpose of this paper is to identify the issues that require research in order to design small homes that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. The issues of defining what is small, exterior/interior space continuity, space division, shape, furniture, lighting, and color are discussed and research suggestions are proposed.

A Research Note on: Identifying Nonmetropolitan Communities with Innovative Housing

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to describe the procedures and results of research to identify nonmetropolitan communities that contain innovative housing. A questionnaire was mailed to housing-related agencies in eight Southern states in the spring of 1985. The housing expert in each agency was instructed to indicate the extent to which the state’s nonmetropolitan communities had innovative housing as well as the types of innovations in existence. The results show that the housing experts have limited knowledge of community housing. They fail, therefore, to provide useful information regarding the existence of housing innovations.

A Research Note on: Assessing Family Needs for Housing Information

AbstractAs part of a southern regional survey, 1,804 households were asked questions pertaining to housing information needs. The results revealed that the respondents most frequently relied on family members in reaching housing decisions. Information on energy conservation and financing was most needed. A majority would also use free housing information. Additionally, differences were found regarding family housing information needs by state of residence.