Radiant flooring has been in use since the days of the Roman Empire when they channeled hot air under the floors of their villas. Basically, radiant systems heat an entire room evenly — not just in localized spots. It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts. Radiant systems are also unobtrusive and quiet.

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Tatami Goza Mats from Japan are an interesting, natural addition to a room. They are made of sustainably-harvested rushes. Each tatami mat contains around 4,000 to 5,000 rushes. Hemp or cotton cord is then used to weave the rushes together.

The mats are especially good for children’s play rooms and bedrooms because they are long-lasting and stain-resistant. New tatami have a green color and a fresh grassy smell which fades in light to leave a bright golden color. They are naturally treated to resist insects. Goza mats are also relatively inexpensive: a 11.41′ by 11.41′ mat costs around $240, for example. Available from: Chopa, GoodsFromJapan or Japan Shoji.

These
decking tiles snap together without the need for screws, nails or glue, to create a deck or walkway. The tiles are made with Bolivian Ipe wood, which is suited to outdoors use, naturally resisting mold and decay. The Ipe wood is harvested according to strict environmental standards, according the manufacturer, Eco Wood International. They say the tiles can be easily deconstructed, so that homeowners can take the tiles with them when they move.

Eco Decking Tiles

Via: MetaEfficient

Expanko makes flooring out of two regenerative materials: cork and rubber. They also make a unique product which combines both cork and rubber, called XCR³, an example of which is pictured here.

To produce cork flooring, virgin cork bark and cork waste from the manufacturing of other cork products is recycled and ground into small granules. The granules are baked in molds at varying temperatures, allowing shade variations, from light to dark, in the finished tile product.

The rubber used in the flooring is a blend of recycled tires, post industrial waste rubber and virgin rubber.

Home Page: Expanko

EnviroGLAS™ Terrazzo is flooring made of 100% post-consumer recycled glass. Recycled glass bottles are crushed, mixed with an epoxy, and poured to form a very appealing surface.

Terrazzo, from the Italian word for terraces, was created several hundred years ago in Europe when Venetian workers discovered a new use for discarded marble remnants.

EnviroGLAS™ Terrazzo is the latest Terrazzo innovation — in lieu of marble and synthetic materials, terrazzo applicators and designers can use an abundance of recycled glass.

Home Page: EnviroGLAS™

Found via SynEarth

Eucalyptus is a very inexpensive hardwood and is comparable to teak or cherry in its strength and durability. Eucalyptus, however, grows quickly and can be sustainably harvested on plantations.

Its density, straight grain, smooth finish, and honey color make it an excellent choice for flooring and outdoor furniture.

Creative Woodwork International makes folding, transforming, outdoor furniture, such as the bench above, using plantation eucalyptus.

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Bamboo is inexpensive, looks great and is a renewable resource.
Bamboo flooring is similar in appearance to hardwood but is even more
durable in terms of scuffing, wear and expansion.
The bamboo is harvested in plantations that take only 3-4 years to reach
maturity. Although still not widely used, it is perhaps the most efficient
material for flooring.

Purchase from: IFloor or
EcoFloor