Green once meant clunky low-flow toilets, dishwashers with “Eco” settings and any synthetic material that didn’t mill a tree or mine a stone. Now, a universe of products, and strategies honed by years of experience, have positioned kitchen and bath designers to create rooms every bit as luxurious as their conventional counterparts, but with lighter footprints, a reliance on renewable resources, and reusing/repurposing in surprising places.
This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News presents a portfolio of innovative designs from designers leading the way in sustainable design.
Photos: In “Adrienne Dorig” folder in Green Design in PHOTOS
Photo credit: James Netz Photography
Please put these details in a box:
Designer:
Adrienne Dorig Leland, CKD
Dorig Designs
Eau Claire, WI
Product highlights:
Cooktop: Thermador, Induction CIT 304; Dishwasher: KitchenAid; Range/Oven: 30” Big Chill; Refrigerators: Big Chill, 20.6 cu.ft; Cabintery: Thorcraft Custom Kitchens; Countertops: Black Honed Granite; Faucets/Fittings: Hansgrohe; Flooring: Rustic Maple; Lighting: Recessed LED, Lithonia/Undercabinet LED, Legrand; Stained (Glass Doors): Dell’s Architectural Antiques
Designer Adrienne Dorig Leland, CKD, took home the top prize in the Green Design category in the 2015 NKBA Design Competition for this retro-feeling redesign. To address the homeowner’s concerns, Leland reorganized the layout to move refrigeration to the cooking area, and created a peninsula to accommodate the inclusion of a dishwasher. The new L-shaped kitchen promoted better traffic flow through the space.
The homeowners brought their eco-consciousness to the project, says Leland. “We incorporated a pull-out for their compost bin in the island,” she says, noting that every family member had influence on the project. “We were originally going to do a Big Chill range but after the client’s young boys learned about induction technology at school, they were the ones who suggested an induction cooktop. So we did an induction cooktop with Big Chill oven below.”
The clients had solar power, so they opted to use that to power the appliances rather than gas. Leland was able to create something special for the cabinetry. “We were planning on painted cabinetry in the kitchen but the homeowners’ father had this wood that he had this old wormy chestnut shelving that he salvaged some 50 years ago. We saw its potential, had nails removed and the planks planed down to turn them cabinetry.”
Photos: “Geeta Kewalramani” folder in Green Design folder in PHOTOS
Photo credit: Courtesy of Kimaya Designs
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Designer:
Geeta Kewalramani, CMKBD, CAPS
Kimaya Designs
Mississauga, Ontario
Product highlights:
Cooktop: AEG electric 24”; Ventilation: Faber Cristal; Cabinets: manufactured locally from FSC Certified moisture resistant hardwood plywood, painted with a low-VOC water-based paint; Faucet: Blanco – Torino – certified by the ECP (Environment Canada Program); Paint: Ceiling painted with Sherwin Williams Emerald Acrylic Latex paint, zero-VOC product, GreenGuard certified
This compact gem features forward-thinking design by Geeta Kewalramani, CMKBD, CAPS that created a tight green footprint with all the conveniences the homeowners desired. Kewalramani says sustainability isn’t something her clients bring up, but “when we suggest energy conserving, water efficient products and easy to use and maintain spaces it appeals to almost everyone and, in most cases, cost is not a big variable in the equation. As responsible designers it is up to us to recommend and incorporate sustainable and accessible strategies to our clients.”
Kewalramani employed those strategies on a number of fronts starting with locally manufactured, formaldehyde-free and FSC-approved cabinetry, and GreenGuard-certified paints and stains. She designed other areas to accommodate the way the clients used their kitchen, including a double waste/recycling bin under the sink base cabinet. Dimmable CFL light fixtures use less energy, and zoned lighting enables the users to turn on only the lights they need. Undercabinet task lighting creates ease of use. All appliances are low energy rated, and both the faucet and dishwasher are water efficient.
Having lived in the home for 30 years, Kewalramani says her clients were ready for a change. “What I enjoyed the most was my clients’ openness to my recommendations and their disbelief in how organized, convenient and beautiful their kitchen is now.”
Photos: in “Jolynn Johnson” folder in Green Design in PHOTOS
Photo credit: Courtesy of Crystal Kitchen Center
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Designer:
Jolynn Johnson, CMKBD, CAPS
Crystal Kitchen Center
Minneapolis, MN
Product highlights:
Refrigerator: Subzero; Range, steam oven, microwave: Wolf; Hood: Best; Dishwasher: Asko; Sink, Faucet: Kohler; Cabinets: Crystal Cabinet Works; Lighting: recess lights and Led under cabinet lights, dinette and dining room fixture-from Southern Lights
Jolynn Johnson, CMKBD, CAPS faced a long list of changes the clients wanted to see for their new space, from opening up the kitchen to the living area for a better flow, to details like including a TV into the space, all while incorporating greater efficiency.
In addition to selecting appliances with healthier cooking in mind, Johnson relocated appliances for ease-of-use, and created a functional island that is home to the sink/faucet combo and additional prep space. Her clients began the design process requesting a green remodel, so Johnson sourced the cabinetry locally from Crystal Cabinet Works.
Photos in “Anastasia Rentzos” folder in Green Design folder in PHOTOS
Photo credit: Courtesy of Andros Kitchen & Bath Designs
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Designer:
Anastasia Rentzos, CKD, CBD
Andros Kitchen & Bath Designs
Mississauga, Ontario
Product highlights:
Countertops: Silestone quartz; Cabinetry: ArtCraft in a 35% sheen pure white flat slab door, island was a high gloss ‘folkstone gray’ color, wrapped with a flush kick to give it a furniture look; Appliances: energy efficient, refrigerator and dishwasher are paneled to give them a seamless look with the cabinetry
The traditional bungalow-style home didn’t satisfy Anastasia Rentzos, CKD, CBD’s clients’ needs, so she was charged with redesigning the main floor to improve traffic flow. Rentzos created an open concept kitchen, living and dining area, including raising the ceiling and exposing beams to make the space brighter and more inviting.
Rentzos describes her firm as committed to lessening the environmental impact of its work. “Unless a client insists on a particular product or finish, Andros generally specs out ecofriendly products and finishes,” she says.
To that end, Rentzos incorporated eco sensitive quartz counter tops throughout the kitchen. The cabinets were manufactured locally in Ontario, saving on transportation. All boxes are particle board, which is made with 100% recycled fibers with low-formaldehyde glues. Ecofriendly MDF material was also used on the cabinet doors. Rentzos selected Energy Star-rated appliances, and LED lights on dimmers throughout the house. The floor and beams used in the redesign are all reclaimed wood.