This past month was an exceptional month for weather. I can not recall a wetter, grayer or more depressing month in my past. They say we had a total of 27 out of 30 days with no sunshine. That was enough to push whatever happy demeanor I was maintaining to the edge. What is one to do when anticipating warm, sunny weather in June only to feel the need to turn the heat back on and purchase a therapy light? It actually allowed me to solidify a partnership with Konig Swiss ®, a company from Switzerland that manufactures an eco-friendly, non-electric humidifier; and become one of their first American distributors.

In my opinion, this unique design not only serves a functional need, but also provides a visually interesting addition to one’s environment. This product was developed by a Swiss native known as a designer, inventor, engineer and environmentally conscious entrepreneur. It first appeared at an international trade show in Europe in 1998. It has received several gold medals from Geneva for outstanding innovative design. Konig Swiss ® launched the sale of the humidifier in 2002 and has had sales in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Latvia and France. Within this last year (2008) they began distribution in the United States and Canada through their North America office. This isn’t your typical humidifier that you buy at Wal Mart. No large containers or reservoirs that need to be filled in your bathtub. No fake, ugly brown wood grain consoles. Once the humidifier is mounted to your wall, all you have to do is fill the plexiglass globe every two days (perhaps every third day, depending on the moisture level required in your home).

How does it work?

The process is called Hydro Pneumatic Capillary System (patented technology). The humidifier uses gravitation and the patented capillary system to power the device. The dryness of the environment’s air dictates the level of evaporation of the water and the speed of circulation into the air. The water pressure in the tank is regulated by a pressure fill valve that allows the water to flow through the tubing to the water flow modulator. The humidity actually flows out from the bottom of the humidifier and sinks into the room and then is carried up towards the ceiling and the surrounding space through movement in the area. One unit covers approximately 1200 square feet (depending on the humidity level of your environment).

The part that appealed to me immediately was the specially designed composite panels that you can order in seven different designs. There is one with sunflowers, a waterfall, a child’s themed playground, platinum gray, pearl white, a contemporary artsy theme, and a very bold colorful design. They offer a design that can fit in any decor, and will be coming out with more designs this coming year. The overall height is 41 1/2″ inches (to the top of the globe) x 15 3/4″ wide x 4 3/4″ deep. Total weight with water is 6.9 pounds.

Eco benefits:

• No electrical costs
• Quiet – no electrical noise
• Does not produce dust vapor
• No mold
• Carbon neutral
• Easy to clean

Important Advantages:

• No electrical costs
• High evaporation capacity – enhanced by the special cut of the composite panel
• No distribution of germs
• No risk of tripping over unit or cords of unit
• No risk of burned fingers as there is no hot evaporation
• Easy to refill with wall mount accessibility
• High quality design and manufacturing

As you can tell, I am very excited about this product and bringing it to the attention of my clients, friends and family. I think it offers an incredible alternative to the humidifiers that we have all purchased and brings a unique design and innovative technology that aligns with my philosophy on green design. If you are interested in learning more about this product you can visit www.konigswiss.com . You can also contact me at design@lmkinteriorsltd.com for pricing and shipping information. As I have been sharing this product over the last month, I find myself saying, “It’s Swiss made, it’s got to be good!” Now that the sun has finally come back to us, I look forward to using this product come the true fall season.