A Greener Bedroom

Architect: Erin O’Keefe; Contractor: Renewal Design-Build

The homeowner expressed their desires for the remodeling project as: brighter, more practical and useful space; better indoor air and water quality; and reduce/reuse/recycle methods used throughout the construction process. Care was taken by Renewal Design-Build to identify ways to minimize construction waste and donate or reuse materials from the old structure. Wood framing scraps, for instance, were chipped into mulch and used in landscaping the property. Green technology was implemented such as high-efficiency HVAC and water-heating systems; a HEPA air filtration system improves indoor air quality; a recirculation pump minimizes the time it takes hot water to reach fixtures; low-E window and door units were installed; Icynene insulates the entire roofline and addition; low-VOC paints were used throughout the project; and high recycled-content products were used at every opportunity.

GREEN ELEMENTS IN THIS ROOM:

FLOORING: Reclaimed flooring from a Pennsylvania factory that was dismantled/demolished. The old floorboards were re-milled to create uniform flooring.
 
SIDE TABLES: Nesting tables made from reclaimed scrap metal and reclaimed wood.
 
SHEETS: Bamboo sheets, made from a renewable resource, are soft and comfy.
 
LAMPS: The homeowners sanded, painted and added new shades to old lamps.
 
PILLOWS: Vintage set from Afghanistan and one that was cleaned, repaired and re-stuffed.
 
SHADES: Also made from bamboo.