“Sometimes the greenest thing you can do is less.”

The budget didn’t allow for a full kitchen remodel; instead architect Julie Gabrielli collaborated with Greenbuilders, Inc. and the clients to design a small but spectacular addition to make the kitchen larger and more usable. Our green approach of “looking for what we can keep” worked to great advantage here, and saved the home-owner significant money as well.

By simply adding this addition adjacent to the existing kitchen, the kitchen suddenly became very usable and comfortable, with the bonus of a wonderful new space that joins the high-use kitchen area. This new addition fast became the favored space to relax and enjoy family quality time.

The plan called for the removal of the existing screen porch and concrete floor. Again, we found a way to keep the existing floor intact, and refinished the surface with a striking natural BioShield concrete stain—a beautiful and cost-effective and green solution. Straw bale walls, high R-value windows, and custom lighting play perfectly with the design and home style.

The innovative roof line added tremendously to the sense of space—very effectively maximizing the open, airy feeling of the room and compensating for very limited views at ground level. Instead, the eye is drawn upwards to views of the sky above.