GOLD AWARD
Eren Design and Remodeling, Tucson, Ariz.
Project location: Tucson, Ariz.
Sq. ft. before and after: 2,400
Project cost: $249,169

Owners of a ranch style home desired to remake their kitchen in a very green and sustainable way, without sacrificing any of the sought after aesthetic requirements. Looking for a place to entertain her grandchildren, she wanted a kitchen that resembled the one in her grandparents’ home.

Another significant challenge: Enlarge the kitchen without adding any square footage to the home.

The solution offered by Eren Design and Remodeling of Tucscon, Ariz., was to reconfigure several adjoining spaces as well as the kitchen with a net result of better overall efficiency. Spaces devoted to laundry, storage, exercise and powder room were relocated to exist all within the footprint of the former storage and exercise room. This opened up new areas for the kitchen and a new pantry.

According to Eren’s award application, the green and sustainable aspects of the program could be summarized in three words: “research, research and more research.” The project was driven in large measure by a vigilant quest for high-efficieny appliances, windows, HVAC components as well as sustainable building materials and finishes.

Additionally, extreme measures were taken to reuse, recycle and reclaim. The old cabinets were planed down to use as trim. Existing framing members were reused. The island countertop was reclaimed from the floor of an old elementary school.
Sustainable materials included primary countertops made from bamboo and compressed paper, a marmoleum floor manufactured from linseed oil, cabinets with wheatboard center panels and insulation made from old denim.

Products specified:
Bath cabinets: Bertch Cabinetry
Bath fixtures: Kohler
Flooring: Marmoleum
Hardware: Eleek Inc.
Insulation: Ultra-Touch
Kitchen cabinets: Bertch Cabinetry
Countertops: Eco-Top/Craft-Art
Range: Thermador
Freezer: Thermador
Refrigerator: Thermador
Warming Drawer: Thermador
Dishwasher: Bosch
Wine cooler: U-Line
Steamer: Gaggenau
Lighting fixtures: Wilmette Lighting Co.
Paints/stains: Dunn-Edwards
Windows: Pella Corp.

Silver:
Otogawa-Anschel
Minneapolis, Minn.

Bronze:
Landis Construction Corp.
Washington, D.C.

Honorable Mention:
Degnan Design Builders, Inc.
DeForest, Wis.