More than 10 years ago we ran a story about “futureproofing” custom homes (January/February 1997). It was about installing what were then brand new types of wiring that would make a house ready to accept the electronic technologies just beginning to reshape our expectations. Today, new custom homes must have these capabilities or risk being considered obsolete.
Now a new major force has come along that is compelling custom home buyers and builders to consider another kind of futureproofing—sustainability. As the cost of energy ratchets up and as people become more aware of the consequences of a degraded environment, more buyers want to make certain that their homes will be economical to run in the future, provide a healthy living environment, and be as resource-efficient as possible.
Being resource-intensive, both the kitchen and bath offer many opportunities to make a house greener. And, because these two rooms are so “touchable and seeable” in terms of products and finishes, they are where homeowners most readily sense that they have gotten the greener, healthier homes they desire.
A fourth-quarter 2007 Home Design Trends Survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects demonstrates that buyers have greener kitchens and baths in their sights. The AIA asked 500 residential architecture firms what features their clients currently want in those two rooms. The answers point to growing awareness of environmentally friendly products. More than six in 10 said their clients asked for renewable flooring materials (up from 53% last year) and 49% said they opted for renewable countertop materials in their kitchens. Drinking-water filtration systems climbed to 47% from 37% a year ago. Environmental concerns showed up in desired bath features, too. More than half the architects (57%) said clients wanted water-saving toilets. And, considering the newness of LED lighting products, a surprising 39% said clients asked for them as well.
There are plenty of measures you can take to make kitchens and baths in the houses you build a lasting shade of green. Energy-efficient appliances are an obvious place to start, and the Energy Star rating makes them easy to find. Some other ideas: Windows located to capture daylight and breezes will minimize the use of electric lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning. Low-VOC paints and adhesives used on walls, counters, and cabinets will eliminate the unhealthy air caused by outgassing. A tankless water heater will cut both energy and water use.
We used to think of the kitchen and bath of the future only in terms of conveniences. We’re now just beginning to understand that the best kitchens and baths are designed not only with the future in mind but as though our future depended on it.
