Von Löwen Designs

Today’s kitchens are often the most active and multipurpose rooms in the house and typically offer many opportunities when remodeling to select and implement sustainable choices – resulting in not only a more beautiful and usable space, but a much more healthy and eco-friendly indoor environment overall. From lighting and appliances to plumbing fixtures and interior finishes, the kitchen is packed with ways to optimize form and function while minimizing its environmental impact. For more specifics on kitchen cabinets particularly and how to identify and determine what makes your kitchen cabinetry green be sure to check out my posts Kitchen Design & Remodeling – Kitchen Cabinet Basics and Kitchen Cabinetry – Design & Remodeling Considerations

Function

What does my client want and what does my client need?

The main way that environmental impact is expressed in the function of a kitchen is efficient use of space. The primary functions of a kitchen are workspace, food storage, entertaining, and dining. Space planning, as well as traffic flow throughout the room, should always be a forethought in the design process, and I have always considered it time well spent gathering all that is needed to get a full understanding of how my client’s currently use and wish to use both the kitchen and related spaces. These considerations are critical to the efficient use of space within the new kitchen and the home at large.

Existing Conditions

What functional or performance problems exist in the kitchen space that could be addressed at the design level, early in the project?

A project assessment should include examination of the following performance issues, in addition to user function issues:

• Water leaks – building envelope (outside) and plumbing (inside)
• Air leakage
• Environmental hazards: lead, asbestos, radon, interior humidity, mold, CO
• Thermal comfort
• Acoustical comfort
• Structural deficiencies
• Ventilation and exhaust and electrical hazards

Scope

Are there other remodeling projects that should be considered at the time of the kitchen remodel?

For example, usually a kitchen remodeling project scope does not include the insulation and air sealing of the opaque areas of the building envelope (walls, roof, foundation), but individual project conditions such as the type of exterior cladding, its service life, and the climate could influence the importance of improving the envelope’s thermal performance as part of the kitchen remodel. Serious thought should always be given to integrate current and future projects in deliberations on the scope of the project with the client. Conversely, it is easy for a kitchen redesign to result in ‘pulling out all the stops’ to maximize resale, but the designer should help their client maintain a focus on personal needs and wants, and not just what market analysis tells them about what other people want.

Size

Can the kitchen remodel utilize the existing kitchen space, does it require expansion of the kitchen into adjacent interior space, or will it involve additional new space that expands the building envelope?

Satisfying certain kitchen functions (for example, dining and storage not related to food or food prep) may mean less overall renovation or avoiding an addition without loss of kitchen function. There is often a temptation to make the kitchen space bigger and to add more bells and whistles – a second dishwasher, a larger refrigerator, a wine chiller, etc. The importance of such features should be carefully weighed because the space requirements and energy costs are significant. Even more difficult may be decisions about storage, including countertop space for everyday or occasional use appliances and concealed storage for small appliances and dry goods.

Layout

How will the kitchen plan strike a balance between utility, aesthetics, and resource efficiency – especially energy and water use?

As I mentioned earlier comprehensive space planning is critical to any successful kitchen remodeling project and converts the needs expressed by your client into action – plan for the whole team. Because tradespeople may mean different things by the term ‘layout,’ the whole team should be involved in the development of floor plans, elevations, and supporting documentation to ensure that the design is optimized across disciplines.

Ensuring the health, safety, and enjoyment of your clients in their kitchen while minimizing environmental impact, requires special attention to several components:

• Glazing – In terms of both location and total square footage.

Windows and skylights can provide views, connection with nature, natural daylighting, passive solar heat gain, and ventilation. But glazing often increases a room’s energy load and involves penetrations in the building envelope that must be properly managed. The tendency, especially in kitchens, is to over glaze rather than strategically place or select the type of glazing for optimal energy performance, views, and overall indoor environmental quality.

For additional information on windows and glazing check out my post Window Replacement and to learn more about designing with the Sun, be sure to read Daylighting.

• Plumbing layout – Long runs for hot water result in significant energy and water inefficiencies as well as the inconvenience of long wait-times for hot water. Layouts that place plumbing in exterior walls result in increased heating and cooling loads, as well as potential indoor air quality problems through moisture intrusion, so should be avoided.

• Space conditioning layout – Keep supply registers or radiant and convective elements away from refrigerators.

• Lighting design – The location and type of electric lighting can improve kitchen function, appearance, and energy performance. Provide an optimal mix of task and ambient lighting. Avoid layouts and lighting designs that force recessed lights into the building envelope.

• Appliance location – Keep heating appliances like stoves, ovens, and dishwashers away from refrigerating units. Provide adequate air space around these appliances.

• Kitchen exhaust location – Ensure that kitchen exhaust fans will be able to readily exhaust to the outside.

• Universal design – Universal design and design for aging in place mean that occupants will need to do less remodeling later, eliminating the associated material use and waste.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.