KBB - April 2014 - 22

green design

The whirlpool tub from Americh features a gray water recycling
system that distributes used water to the garden outside.

* The bamboo wood on the tub deck and cabinetry is considered one of
the renewable resource materials.
* A green-approved, environmental Noritz water heater is included.
* Low-flow, water-conservation showerheads operate at 1.75 GPM max.
(6.65 l/min.), and low-flow sink faucets operate at 1.5 GPM max. (5.7L/
min.). A low-flow toilet is also in use.
* Mini recycling bins are included below both sinks for paper/plastic
items.
* Gray water that drains from the tub and shower is captured by a gray
water action pump and fed to the couple's flower garden.
* The clients use organic soaps and toiletry products. The wasted nutrients
from the soap (nitrogen and phosphorous) sustain their plants' lives and
recharge their topsoil.
* The frequent use of their bathtub, with the advantage of gray water
reclamation, offers them lower water and sewage bills.
* Recycled 1-in. x 1-in. glass mosaic tile bands decorate the shower
and niches.

Issues, Highlights and Lessons Learned

Other green design elements in the house and bathroom include:
* SunPower solar panels on the house roof provide all solar energy (power, heat and air-conditioning) needed for the house and master bath.
The clients received rebates from DWP Energy Efficiency programs.
* Energy-efficient fixtures were specified, as required by the state's "Title 24,"
as well as energy-efficient windows (Milguard with Synmax glass).
* Recycled, non-toxic insulation was used inside walls (repurposed bluejean material).
* Fifty percent of all demolition/new construction was repurposed.
* Lead-free Dulux paint was used on all walls, which is non-toxic.
* The water closet door is made of composite recycled material.
* The cabinetry was approved by the Environmental Stewardship Association, and it is 100 percent formaldehyde free.

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K BB

Katsioula-Beall cited two challenges during the project: Their desired
couple's tub used too much water to operate, and there were no wall
cabinets for storage in the original space. She solved the issues by incorporating the gray water recycling system, which feeds the tub and shower
water into the garden, as well as a long vanity with product pantries, a
hamper and a separate make-up table for ample storage opportunities.
As far as project highlights, Katsioula-Beall cited the high ceilings, pebble rock wall, the tile rug with the bamboo border that matches the tub
deck and the huge recessed mirror as the standouts.
The lesson learned during the project pertained to the use of the solar
panels on the roof.
"I'd not used those before, and doing so saved a considerable amount
of energy and money," she added. "Also, it is not as tricky as I had initially
imagined to use a gray water pump to redirect the water into the garden
from the bath. It is a great feeling for one to enjoy a hot bath and know
that the water used will go back to Mother Earth." n
- By Chelsie Butler

sources
Designer: Elina Katsioula-Beall, DeWitt Designer Kitchens; Photography:
Suki Medencevic; Cabinetry: Serrao Cabinets; Counter and Vanity
Tops: Molise Marble & Granite; Faucets: Jado; Flooring: Empire Marble
& Granite; Hardware: Häfele; Lighting: Lightology; Paint: Dulux; Sinks:
Le Bijoux; Solar Panels: SunPower; Tile: Walker Zanger and Waterworks;
Toilet: TOTO; Tub: Americh; Wallcovering: Solistone; Windows: Milgard

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KBB - April 2014

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