Sustainable Solutions for Aging in Place
Growing In Place
Remodeled with comfort as the priority, this house is now a healthier and more sustainable home.
Aging-in-place is often an important component of the strategy when shifting to a greener, more sustainable way of living. For this homeowner, right-sizing with the smaller footprint of this house made sense, but there were plenty of opportunities to adapt the space to better address her current and future needs.
Planning for future needs involves a lot of practical thinking, so this remodel started with the practical: repairing a sinking corner of the foundation, removing asbestos present in the floor, and removing deteriorating foam insulation from the walls and the roof.
By addressing these issues and switching to greener options, like mineral wool insulation made with recycled materials, we improved the energy efficiency and indoor air quality, making it a more economical and safer long-term home.
What was once a flat ceiling is now gabled with an exposed wood beam. Coupled with a door featuring prominent glass panes that soak the entryway in daylight, the first impression when entering the home is bright and airy.
Functional choices, like the style and height of appliances in the kitchen, reduce motion like bending and prioritize ease of use. Knowing the homeowner’s passion for gardening, we focused on infusing the home with natural beauty to inspire creativity and support well-being. To increase natural light and enhance the indoor-outdoor connection we added new, more energy-efficient windows and doors.
The open plan contributes to the spacious feeling, while warm wood and traditional trim create a sense of coziness and comfort in the bedroom suite. While developing the aesthetics of the interiors, we utilized locally-sourced, sustainable materials — such as the raw-edge wood mantel over the fireplace — and incorporated elements of nature into every area of the home.
Notes & Credits
Photography by Brian Hartman.
Want to learn more?
You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.
Services
Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.
Considering a project, or curious about something?
Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.