Everybody wins
Building and living sustainably doesn't have to mean the sacrifice of performance, aesthetics or style
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.
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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."
Credit list
Kitchen designer
Countertops
Ventilation
Faucet
Oven
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Story by: Kathleen Kinney
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
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