Hakatai glass mosaic tile was specified by Joseph Vigil and Brandy LeMae of VaST Architecture for the exterior cladding and master shower of a private residence in Boulder, Colorado. The new “Lab House” is a modern two-story, 2,000 square foot home owned by artist Julie Maren and physicist Derek vanWestrum. With its passive solar heating, five-panel solar system, and structurally insulated panels (SIPs), the house reflects VaST’s commitment to sustainable building practices. The house also features over 265 square feet of tile from Hakatai, VaST’s glass tile supplier of choice.

The Lab House redefines curb appeal with its bold main entrance. The exterior front wall and door surround is comprised of vibrant orange glass mosaic tile from Hakatai’s Fantastix Series. The Fantastix Series is a striking and elegant collection of 5/8” x 5/8 iridescent tile, available in 24 colors and three standard blends. Maren and vanWestrum were leery at first of using an iridescent tile, fearing a “disco ball” effect, but after seeing the completed installation, they couldn’t help but be very pleased with the look. The decorative yet durable tile makes an undeniably artistic and modern statement.

Inside the custom home, a more traditional mosaic tile was selected for the second floor master bathroom shower. The beautiful whites and greys in the Porcelain Blend, from Hakatai’s top-selling Classic Series, caused the homeowners no misgivings, and perfectly complemented the clean and open design of the home’s interior. The ¾” by ¾” Classic Series is available in 42 solid colors and 27 standard blends.

VaST Architecture is a full-service architectural firm committed to building homes that function well, look beautiful and use resources wisely. In addition to specifying Hakatai glass tile for the Lab House, LeMae and Vigil have also used Hakatai glass tile on several other projects, including in the building of their new home in Boulder. LeMae, vice president of VaST, earned LEED accreditation and a green building certificate from Colorado State University. Vigil, president and principal of VaST, serves on the Board of Directors panel of the Boulder Green Building Council and is a Green Points Building Professional. Hakatai, importer and distributor of glass tile and mosaic murals since 1997, supports VaST's sustainable building ethic, and in spring will begin offering a tile series containing recycled glass.

For more information, please contact Hakatai Enterprises at: 701 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, Oregon 97520, or by phone: 541-552-0855, fax: 541-552-0861, or email: info@hakatai.com. Check out the Hakatai Enterprises, Inc., website at: www.hakatai.com.