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Everybody wins from Kitchen Trends volume 2507
Sustainable living can seem like one of those lifestyle choices that involves sacrificing pleasure or convenience for the greater good. Perhaps that's why many of us genuinely would like to do it, but just can't seem to commit.
When homeowners Adam Toguchi and Bruce Weatherford remodeled their house, they decided to build – and live – in as energy-efficient a way as possible. But they also wanted a home that worked for them. In the kitchen, that meant a space that was enjoyable to cook in, with ample room for friends and family to gather, and plenty of natural light.
In architect David Webber they found a designer who ensured that sustainability wouldn't come at the cost of aesthetics or compromised lifestyle. For Webber, green living means more than just checking the energy rating on appliances and having a compost pile.
"I think that living sustainably means appreciating the surrounding environment and interacting with nature as a part of daily life. So being able to enjoy plenty of sunlight and open up the windows and turn off the air conditioning is a huge part of that sensibility," he says.
Webber's design gave the owners the light-filled, casual kitchen they wanted, while choices in materials and appliances were made with the environmental impact in mind.
The painted cabinets are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) rather than hardwood, and the appliances were chosen for energy-efficient performance. An on-demand system ensures that there's an ample supply of hot water, but without the high energy consumption of a large cylinder heating water all day and night.
Toguchi says he was surprised at the flexibility and choices available.
"We were presented with options at every step of the process. From the initial layout of the space, to the cabinet finishes and hardware – David showed us three or four choices and explained the costs and benefits of each. We never felt constrained by our decision build green, and we were very appreciative of that."
Many energy-efficient homes eschew a large number of windows, but Webber and the owners didn't want to compromise an open feeling and natural light.
Low-E, double-paned windows and doors reflect the sunlight more than most windows, and insulate better, too.
"Enjoyment and sustainability are not mutually exclusive," says Toguchi. "We have the kind of kitchen – and home – we both wanted. And we're living a sustainable and energy-efficient lifestyle without sacrificing aesthetics or functionality."
This kitchen was created as part of the extensive remodel of a 1940s house. Architect David Webber worked closely with the homeowners to ensure that the kitchen met their day-to-day needs in a sustainable way.
A galley-style layout is always efficient, and the position of the cooktop, sink and refrigerator creates an ideal work triangle. Eliminating upper cabinets allows for a wide wall of windows, bringing in plenty of natural light. Pantry space was built into the partition surrounding the refrigerator. More storage, including a wine refrigerator, is found in the adjacent laundry area.
The CaesarStone-topped island provides ample space for preparing food, casual eating or serving food buffet-style, while the nearby dining area offers even more seating. A curving Artemide light fixture contrasts pleasantly with the square shapes found throughout the space.
Glass doesn't insulate as well as solid walls – but thoughtful design lessens the effect of the windows. Deep overhangs on two sides, and a bamboo hedge on the other, prevent sunlight from overheating the kitchen.
Rather than turning on the air conditioner, opening the windows on the shady side of the house is sufficiently cooling.
Credit List
Architect
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David E Webber AIA, and Tim Derrington AIA, Webber + Studio (Austin, TX)
Cabinets
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Painted medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
Cabinet hardware
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Omnia; Häfele
Ventilation
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Spagna Vetro 36" island hood by EuroKitchen
Dining area light fixture
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Logico by Artemide
Oven
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KitchenAid 30" single thermal oven
Wine refrigerator
:
GE
Disposal
:
InSinkErator
Story by Kathleen Kinney
Photography by Thomas MacConnell
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