KBB - October 2009 - (Page 8)

T rends Old and New Green countertop options abound, but some may look familiar Of the three “Rs” of sustainability—recycle, reuse and reduce—one in particular seems to be gaining attention of late, especially as it relates to kitchen countertops. “Reuse is a big trend among the design community of architects and interior designers,” said interior designer Maxine Corbett, ASID, CSI, IIDA, LEED AP, owner of Richlin Interiors. “The intent is to encourage responsible materials management for the client.” Whether necessary or not, most kitchen remodels involve replacing existing countertops, but as Jennifer Roberts, environmental consultant and author of The Good Green NEW CHOICES Of course, some projects require buying new. On this front, the market is relatively vibrant, with two categories of countertops growing aggressively: recycled glass and recycled paper. As James Sheppard, CEO of Vetrazzo, which makes the former, noted, “Even in this economy, we’re scrambling to increase production.” Such is the demand that “We have seen large solid-surfacing companies start to offer products with recycled glass,” said Craig Smith, president of Atlantabased Dex Studios, which manufactures recycled glass countertops to spec. With so many choices available, Smith suggests going as local as possible. You may also want to consider where the company sources its recycled glass. Other earth-friendly materials are also making their way into more kitchens. Popular surfaces include butcher block made of sustainably obtained woods and bamboo, which now comes in various patterns and ﬁnishes, as well as an old standby, stainless steel, which both Corbett and Roberts tout for its high post-consumer recycled content. “It’s a great option for the kitchen,” said Roberts. “Not only is it really hygienic, you can keep it very, very clean.” Stainless steel is also fully recyclable. Countless other options are sure to hit the market in the future as technologies develop and green thinking evolves. Along with that, Craig foresees a greater appreciation for sustainable countertop products whose appeal lies not in emulating other materials, but in asserting their own character. Granted, greenwashing will also persist and perhaps even proliferate. Consequently, when in doubt about a countertop selection now and even in the future, you might want to do as Roberts suggests and ask yourself this question: What environmental problem is this solving? s —Alice Liao Kitchen, noted, “There’s an environmental burden to taking out that material, sending it to the landﬁll” and then installing something new. LOST AND FOUND But what if your client is set on doing away with the old? Roberts suggests first determining if the existing countertops are in good enough condition to be reused by someone else. If so, consider taking them to a salvage yard. In fact, according to Roberts, salvage yards are doing brisk business these days, as leaner times are driving consumers to be more budget-conscious. And for those who still prefer natural stone, they can be a great alternative, as many offer a variety of used pieces of marble, granite or limestone. Some designers are turning to other rooms in their clients’ homes for materials to adapt for reuse. Architect Joan Craig, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Lichten Craig, for example, who is a fan of islands with wood countertops, has been trying to convince a client to repurpose “a beautiful old wood table” already in their possession, “take the top off and use that on their island.” If no old tables are available, consider purchasing one. Craig said, “It’s a way of being environmentally oriented and you get that wonderful patina and quality of an old wood surface.” + K BB October July 2004 2009 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - October 2009

KBB - October 2009
Contents
Online Contents
Publisher’s Note
Trends
Products
Profile
Design
Model Behavior: A Southern Kitchen is Green All Over
Special Blend
Education
Editorial Index
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - October 2009