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Before and After - ".., the small, dark and dated, '50s style kitchen, was a challenge to the wide-ranging culinary skills of the lady of the house." |
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After - "The upper countertop contains all the colors in the kitchen. It is made of highly sustainable non-porous, moisture resistant substance that is easy to maintain." |
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Before and After - "We extended the kitchen area into an existing screened porch in the back of the house, thus increasing traffic flow that was needed according to our client's requirement." |
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After - Cooking Area |
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After - Breakfast Area |
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Gaithersburg, MD - "Green" Kitchen
Remodel
Project Featured in the "Washington Post" March, 2008 Issue
Brief Explanation of the Scope
of Work
The owners of this home needed no persuasion to remodel green. This husband and wife are passionate advocates for a clean, sustainable environment. Our clients were by no means wealthy. They made it clear: "Remodel our space green." Specifically, they wanted the house updated and wanted to improve the traffic flow. For example, the front door opened into the living room. Our homeowners wanted a foyer that would make a statement. And the small, dark and dated, '50s style kitchen, was a challenge to the wide-ranging culinary skills of the lady of the house.
Unusual
Constraints/Challenges & Creative
Solutions
The first challenge, staying within a limited budget, required, ingenuity, creativity and experience. Just like levels of quality, the cost depends on how green the homeowner wants it... The second possible roadblock to the design was structural: Could the walls be removed without damaging the integrity of the home? Researching and locating recycled and rapidly renewable materials from responsible suppliers was the third challenge.
Design Solutions
The Front Door and Foyer:
The design called for converting the enclosed carport into an entrance foyer. A visitor to this home now steps into a dramatic entranceway, dominated by floor to ceiling space divider that is work of art. There is a built-in bench on the other side. The dark stained original oak floor creates a contrasting radius where it meets the new bamboo floor. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material, grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. There is no added formaldehyde (see after shots below).
The Kitchen
The spare, functional, yet elegant kitchen might just be the piece de resistance of this residential remodel. We extended the kitchen area into an existing screened porch in the back of the house, thus increasing traffic flow that was needed according to our client's requirement. Such generous space allowed us to divide and clearly differentiate the functionality of the foyer, living room, dining area, and the kitchen, not by walls or steps, but through floor patterns created with different finishes. On one side Bamboo flooring and on the other, dark stained oak (see after shots above).
The use of innovative green products and materials used for the cabinetry, countertops and the bamboo flooring was the highlight of this remodel.
The cabinets are made of LYPTUS, a premium grade hardwood, grown in South America on highly productive. The lower countertop is PaperStone. . This proprietary paper is made from 100% post consumer recycled wood fiber. The black tile backsplash partition is made with 50% pre-consumer porcelain that is highly sustainable, easy to install and maintain.
The upper countertop contains all the colors in the kitchen. It is made of highly sustainable non-porous, moisture resistant substance that is easy to maintain.
Traffic Flow
Overall Results
Melding Lifestyle, Values and Design
Excellence in design and construction begin with sterling customer service, satisfying the clients' requirements within budget fulfilled the mission. Our design and remodel was consistent with the owners' passion for practicing their values. Our design also reflected the clients' penchant for function and simplicity. No frills. For them, there is beauty in taking from nature and using only that which is needed.
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