The homeowner purchased
this 1889 Victorian with the hopes of giving it new life. They wanted a
better layout with open space and more natural light. They also wanted
to use materials that were sustainable, healthy and efficient.
The approach to sustainability in remodeling is to start by assessing
the home, then create a design that minimizes the need for artificial
lighting and cooling, then select finishes that are both responsible and
not harmful.
Adding a bank of windows to the kitchen provide more natural light, as
well as strong cross ventilation. The old boiler was replaced with a 93%
efficient sealed combustion boiler and a sealed combustion tankless
water heater. Hydronic in-floor radiant heat was installed, and new
pray-foam insulation was added to both floors. All new kitchen
appliances were Energy Star, and the old washer and dryer were replaced
with a single condensing washer/dryer unit. A cork floor with in-floor
heat was installed and the counter tops are made from re-claimed
granite. The pantry has a full recycling center built in, and all the
toilets in the home were replaced with dual-flush units.
