(click on photos to enlarge)
An ecological
kitchen should be simple, compact, use
native materials where possible, and conserve materials. These
are partially built in place, one
of the best ways to save on material..
Ecological Cabinetry
Many people want an "ecological kitchen" or a kitchen that
follows sustainable building or environmentally friendly building practices.
Such a kitchen might have:
· used or very efficient appliances
· high efficiency fridge
· efficient use of materials
· limited use of plywood or non-formaldehyde glue plywood
· non- or low VOC finishes
· good provisions for recycling and composting
· reduced embodied energy: cabinets or their materials not transported
too far
· native or local materials
· built with sustainably harvested lumber
· small footprint
· good natural light
Our cabinets aren't perfect in these regards, but they do have many features that fit these criteria. A compact layout saves both space and materials. We use a lot of open shelves, which not only function well, but reduces both cost and use of materials.
We've used plenty of used sinks and stoves over the years, though usually it's the owner who has to do the searching for these items. We have great details for compost drawers, recycle bins.
Our "wonder no-dry dish drainers" was originally conceived as a money-saving and space-saving device, as well as being just a cool idea. But from an ecological point of view, it eliminates the need for a dishwasher, along with its attendant plumbing and wiring. It's a great feature for houses off the grid.
Materials: We have sources for locally grown, sustainably harvested woods, though with less choices than with conventionally marketed hardwoods. One of the most interesting recent developments is that Columbia, one of the largest makers of hardwood plywoods, is switching from urea forlmaldehyde adhesives to a soy based product. As soon as we use up our current 20 sheets of the old stuff, we will be offering the new Purebond plywood on all our projects.
We recently worked on an ecological kitchen at the Horton House at the Highlander Research and Education Center. I have featured it on my featured project page.
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