How is your environment affecting you? Home is one of the most impactful environments on our mental and physical wellbeing. Each room influences how we think, feel, and behave. 

It’s here. The most far-reaching change in residential construction goes into effect January 1, 2020 with the implementation of the new 2019 California Building Code and the toughest energy standards in the country. 

Nature is at the core of trends we see for the new decade. An environmental focus, including sustainability and biophilia, weaves its importance into our design concepts, through products and colors we specify. The search for revitalization, wellness, tranquility and balance in our lives is another dominant theme. 

California has identified it as a Crisis — the state’s housing shortage has been the focus of several recent industry events and symposia. Housing is just the tip of the spear when it comes to effects on California’s economy. Transportation policy, jobs /employment trends, environmental concerns, and the out-migration of residents, especially our well-educated youth that can’t afford to stay here, are aligned topics.

On December 17, 2019, the Napa City Council unanimously and very enthusiastically approved the 20-unit Caritas Village on a 0.75 acre site on Old Sonoma Road, near downtown Napa.  

As we ring in the new year, on January 1, 2020, the 2019 California Energy Code (CEnC) goes into effect. Yes, you read that correctly, meaning T-minus six months until the CEnC and other code updates launch.