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Houzz Tour: The Concord Green Healthy House
New home built for efficiency and flexibility finds its place in historic New England neighborhood
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
It's appropriate that a new home in Concord, Mass., would be forward-thinking and eco-friendly, but still respectful of the town's history. Concord is the birthplace of Transcendentalism. Ralph Waldo Emerson hailed from Concord, Henry David Thoreau's beloved Walden Pond is in Concord, and they used to meet in town with fellow Concordians like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Amos Bronson Alcott, father of Louisa May Alcott. In fact, the view from this home is quintessentially New England, as it fronts a public green.
This home is a walkable distance from the center of town. Among its design priorities:
1. To be a healthy home with excellent air quality.
2. To use Not So Big House principals to maximize space.
3. To be energy efficient.
4. To anticipate future uses and needs as owners change.
Let's take a look at how the homeowner, interior designer Lisa Kauffman Tharp, and architect Stephanie Horowitz of Zero Energy Design met these goals while creating a beautiful home that fits in with the neighborhood.
This home is a walkable distance from the center of town. Among its design priorities:
1. To be a healthy home with excellent air quality.
2. To use Not So Big House principals to maximize space.
3. To be energy efficient.
4. To anticipate future uses and needs as owners change.
Let's take a look at how the homeowner, interior designer Lisa Kauffman Tharp, and architect Stephanie Horowitz of Zero Energy Design met these goals while creating a beautiful home that fits in with the neighborhood.
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| Owner and interior designer Lisa Kauffman Tharp searched for the perfect piece of property for more than a year. She finally found this one nestled into a neighborhood of existing older homes. The design evolved from two iconic Massachusetts vernacular precedents: the farmhouse and the iconic Cape Cod and Islands style. The overall form is taken from the former, while the latter provided inspiration for details like the clean white trim. Both precedents also inspired "rough luxe" meets coastal interiors as well. "A metal roof is the right place to invest, not only for its durability, but also for its aesthetic," Horowitz says. Those little details you see at the edge of the roof are snow guards, which keep the snow from sliding off the roof into huge piles on the ground. Some of the eco-friendly elements include extra insulation, high-performance windows, radiant heating, daylighting and passive cooling. |
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A front porch is a wonderful place to enjoy fresh air and the view of the green. It's also a great symbol of meeting everything the owners were looking for, which included "an in-town location that would enable a walking lifestyle and 'front porch' sense of community." In addition, they sought "excellent solar access, shade trees and breezes, in order to heat, cool and light the home as passively as possible." Finding such a lot across the street from the park was more than Kauffman Tharp had dared to hope for, and they think of it as their "water view."
Horowitz was able to incorporate systems that keep the air healthy, such as a fresh air ventilation system with energy recovery and HEPA filter, mold prevention techniques, radiant and radiator heating (forced air circulates allergens while these methods do not), contamination controls during construction and using low/no VOC materials.
Horowitz was able to incorporate systems that keep the air healthy, such as a fresh air ventilation system with energy recovery and HEPA filter, mold prevention techniques, radiant and radiator heating (forced air circulates allergens while these methods do not), contamination controls during construction and using low/no VOC materials.
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| Here's the view the family enjoys from the front porch. "The park across the street was an absolute bonus, as it enabled us to purchase a very small lot while enjoying a huge 'front yard' that we do not have to mow," Kauffman Tharp says. Plus, the breezes that race across the open land (we call it 'the whoosh factor') clear street traffic fumes from the air, while eliminating the need for mechanical air conditioning." |
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A tricky-shaped lot, setback requirements and making the most of the southern light all played a role in placing the patio. The microclimate on the patio makes the most of the warmth from the sun, stretching the number of days it can be used.
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The front door opens into a hallway that extends from the front of the house to the back, providing a view to the backyard as well as a straight line to a door that leads to the patio. "It's a 'stone runner' that connects the front yard to the backyard," Horowitz explains. In fact, the same bluestone is used in the form of pavers on the front walk, covers the hallway, and then continues out on to the patio. This creates a strong connection from the front yard through the house and out to the back yard.
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The entryway gives visitors a hint of what's in store inside. While it incorporates farmhouse touches like this bench, it also has an open, light and elegant style throughout, hinted at via the Murano glass chandelier. Healthiness begins at the front door; remove your dusty shoes and pop them into the storage bench so as not to track dirt indoors.
Continuing the war against dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens, the first floor utilizes radiant heat flooring throughout. This kind of heating is a healthy alternative to forced air system because it helps keeps allergens from circulating.
Continuing the war against dust, dirt, pollen and other allergens, the first floor utilizes radiant heat flooring throughout. This kind of heating is a healthy alternative to forced air system because it helps keeps allergens from circulating.
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"The kitchen is the living center of home life these days, a place where everyone loves to spend time," Horowitz explains. "We wanted to embrace this and celebrate the kitchen space. Thus, it has the cathedral ceiling, the views outdoors, and can be used in a number of ways." Flexibility was built in, providing places for cooking, drinking morning coffee, gathering, having a meal or doing homework.
The cathedral ceiling gives this kitchen an open feeling, making it seem larger than it really is. The skylights and glass doors let the light from the southern exposure flood the space. These doors also extend the kitchen out onto the patio, providing access both physically and visually. The large custom Belgian linen pendants make a style statement that stands up to the scale of the ceiling, yet blend with all of the natural textures and colors in the room.
Floors throughout the first floor are heart pine.
The cathedral ceiling gives this kitchen an open feeling, making it seem larger than it really is. The skylights and glass doors let the light from the southern exposure flood the space. These doors also extend the kitchen out onto the patio, providing access both physically and visually. The large custom Belgian linen pendants make a style statement that stands up to the scale of the ceiling, yet blend with all of the natural textures and colors in the room.
Floors throughout the first floor are heart pine.
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| Another kitchen blessing and a challenge: Kauffman Tharp had come into possession of some reclaimed high-end appliances and cabinets from a nearby remodel. In order to give the kitchen a unified look, they painted everything a creamy white, added marine-style polished nickel hardware, and added heart-pine countertops. While the heart pine counters lend a farmhouse feel, the island's counter is a more contemporary concrete surface. The island is 10 feet long and incorporates a Shaw's Original Farmhouse sink, repurposed cabinets, and a pair of Miele dishwashers on one side, as well as seating on the other side. |
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This nook is "a really great informal and comfortable way to incorporate more seating into the kitchen; seating that has a view outdoors," Horowitz says. As a bonus, it includes extra storage under the cushioned bench.
As for the nook's furnishings, Kauffman Tharp says, "I love to use items intended for a completely different purpose in a whole new way. I was attracted by the texture of this basket I found on sale at West Elm. I turned it upside down, hung it with jute twine, and paired it with $9.99 spot lights from IKEA "High style for low money. Fun." The antique table is from Spain. Kauffman Tharp fitted it with an iron bowl on the bottom shelf, which once held hot coals for warming one’s feet.
As for the nook's furnishings, Kauffman Tharp says, "I love to use items intended for a completely different purpose in a whole new way. I was attracted by the texture of this basket I found on sale at West Elm. I turned it upside down, hung it with jute twine, and paired it with $9.99 spot lights from IKEA "High style for low money. Fun." The antique table is from Spain. Kauffman Tharp fitted it with an iron bowl on the bottom shelf, which once held hot coals for warming one’s feet.
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Similarly, seating areas and built-ins were designed for the living room. "The furniture and what would be happening between the windows and walls was always part of the plans."
A large mirror in the living room makes the space feel larger and reflects light and a view of the park.
A large mirror in the living room makes the space feel larger and reflects light and a view of the park.
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| The furnishings in the living room have a bit of Belgian flair, industrial touches, and the overall feeling of an elegant yet relaxed coastal getaway. "Industrial and vintage elements keep it interesting," Kauffman Tharp says. "I repurposed an old glass pie display as a side table with seashells inside, and the rusted tin chimney piece from France acts as a quirky foil on the low table." |
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| This nautical-themed space is in what's known as an "away room," which is a quiet spot that can be isolated from the rest of the house. Part of smart, sustainable design is to plan for the future and provide multiple uses within the floor plan. While a current owner needs an office, this room also connects to a full, ADA-accessible bath and can serve as a first floor bedroom if their needs should change or if future owners have different needs. The doors have been outfitted for window treatments for privacy should this change ever take place. Here's how you can make a fabulous nautical chart wall |
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| These doors provide a farmhouse vernacular detail on the bottom, and the glass on top allows the away room to share natural light with the dining room. When necessary, they can close off the away room, but they can be opened to make both spaces feel larger. Kauffman Tharp scored the candle lanterns from Vagabond Vintage and gave them a makeover that began with "a paint wash that looks like zinc," she says. "We tied them with thick, rough manila rope to plumbing pipe that spans between the ceiling beams (I did a bronze paint wash on the pipes to match the curtain rods). Battery-operated pillar candles from Restoration Hardware have built-in timers." Tip: "Hang natural linen draperies high and wide at the windows to add verticality to the space, while blocking none of the natural light," Tharp advises. |
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| What would usually be a first floor powder room has instead become a full, ADA wheelchair-accessible bathroom complete with a shower. "The bathroom is detailed like a big shower; a European-style wet room," Horowitz explains. "The walls are completely covered in tile, and they slope toward a floor drain. Because the room is so beautifully finished, you don't feel like you are walking into a big shower stall," says Horowitz. The wall-hung toilet saves space and makes cleaning a breeze. A few eco-friendly moves include a dual-flush toilet and using a piece of scrap marble for the counter. Another bonus: It's a great place to wash the dog! |
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This bathroom borrows light and space from the staircase. It is tucked underneath the staircase (hence the slanted ceiling), and it borrows the natural light from a seating area on the landing.
Because this is mostly used as a powder room, a cabinet vanity is not necessary. The open space beneath the counter helps keep things looking spacious, and a clever recessed nook is a good space for stashing supplies. The open space beneath the counter, high ceilings and windows make this bathroom feel much larger.
Because this is mostly used as a powder room, a cabinet vanity is not necessary. The open space beneath the counter helps keep things looking spacious, and a clever recessed nook is a good space for stashing supplies. The open space beneath the counter, high ceilings and windows make this bathroom feel much larger.
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Although you can't see it in the photos, this master bathroom also incorporates a laundry room. "Laundry rooms used to be placed in basements, then they moved to the first floor, and today, we realize it's most convenient to have it on the same floor as the bedrooms, where we put our clothes away," Horowitz explains. This makes getting clothes from one's body to the washer a breeze.
Between stripping down and popping into the shower, clothes can be placed in the color sorting bins or directly into the washing machine.
Between stripping down and popping into the shower, clothes can be placed in the color sorting bins or directly into the washing machine.
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| This vanity was fashioned from an antique kitchen worktable. This was not an easy task: The top was crooked and it needed to be plumbed. But it was well worth the effort, as it adds that unique European farmhouse touch to the room. The sinks are from Signature Hardware and the faucets are made by Rohl's. The goosenecks on the sconces take a cue from the gooseneck faucets, and add a touch of farmhouse style to the light and open bathroom. |
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| The bathroom also takes advantage of the natural light. Clear shower doors allow the rest of the room to receive light from the window in the shower stall, and a carefully composed floor plan maximizes the space. Lots of white makes the space feel roomy and open. |
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| Similarly, white floors, walls and ceiling make the master bedroom feel much larger. In addition, Kauffman Tharp took a cue from A Pattern Language and opted for a bed alcove. The philosophy is that when a room has to awkwardly adapt everything around a bed, it's all wasted and awkward space during all the other hours of the day when you're awake. Creating a special, cozy alcove for a bed creates a comfortable space just for sleeping, and leaves a lot of other space to use for "sitting space, play areas, dressing and storage" the rest of the day. |
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| By preventing the bed from hogging up the whole room, a comfortable seating area in the master bedroom provides a relaxing place to read. The painting is by Tharp, and the fabric on the chairs is by Lee Industries, known for sustainable practices. "I have always dreamed of living on the ocean, and yet we love this town. So, I designed the house to live like a vacation home. Why not get that feeling every day of the year?" Kauffman Tharp says. "The interiors are relaxed, use natural materials and connect with the outdoors — barefoot simplicity meets casual elegance. These are the things that we all love about a vacation home, and I help my design clients build those features into their own homes." |
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| "We were always looking for moments and opportunities to create space and make the best of everything," Horowitz says. The storage bench and recessed reading shelf create "a nice place to sit down with a book; the windows were placed low to work well on the facade; from the bench they provide a view out to the playground that is at eye level." Also, remember those windows in the downstairs wet room? This is what is on the other side; the bathroom is tucked beneath this staircase and behind the windows. |
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| Finally, using every inch of space up to the rafters keeps the square footage maximized and the footprint minimized. The metal roof helps to keep this area cooler in the summer, reflecting the warmth from the sun. This room is another flexible space that can be used as a studio, home office, exercise room, playroom or extra bedroom. All of the mechanical necessities are tucked underneath the other gable, leaving this space open and usable. "If you ask me whether it is better to finish a basement or an attic, I will vote attic every time," Kauffman Tharp says. "Dark and dank vs. sunny and breezy. Which would you choose?" More: Sophisticated Country Style Houzz Tour: Warm Country Charm Adding Farmhouse Charm to Your Home |
Ideabook updated on Aug. 28, 2011.
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Every picture was to be enjoyed and studied!
I loved the lighting fixtures they used, the flooring, just everything!
Very, very beautiful home!
Lisa Kauffman Tharp - Fine Interior Design
www.ktharpdesign.com
You really did an amazing job!
Melissa Gulley
designtrackmind
Yes, line drying is definitely greener, as dryers are energy hogs. Due to allergies, much of the line drying is done indoors. Wet clothes dry quickly on racks over the freestanding tub while the shower exhaust fan speeds dry times. Plus space is saved by eliminating the separate laundry room typical in homes today, along with that extra sink when there are already two in the master bath.
Thanks for asking.
- Lisa
Lisa Kauffman Tharp
Kauffman Tharp Design - fine interiors
www.ktharpdesign.com
Hope all is well with you. Love your last "Kitchen Obsession" post. Great picks.
- Lisa
Lisa Kauffman Tharp
Kauffman Tharp Design - fine interiors
www.ktharpdesign.com
Many of the items in that bathroom are tagged - if you click on the individual picture, little green tags appear with info about the materials and products that were used in there.
So yummy! Very inspired! love it.
http://concordgreen.blogspot.com/p/concord-green-healthy-home.html