ROBERTS KOLDERUP HOUSE

Summary
This modest kitchen remodel reconfigures a relatively dark and cramped space into a sunfilled and modern kitchen.  Tall windows, a large skylight and big doors connect this space to a vibrant new permaculture garden in the rear.  The new design incorporates a previously unused 78 square foot side yard and turns a space wasting hallway into an efficient open-shelf pantry. 

The defining move for this project is the wall to wall Kalwall skylight filled with Aerogel insulation.  The skylight floods the new breakfast space with daylight.  The Aerogel modulates both the sunlight and heat, eliminating glare and temperature extremes typically associated with skylights.  Restoring the kitchen’s dropped ceiling to its original 11 foot height allows for more vertical storage and also brings daylight deeper into the space.

Details
Aside from limiting the addition and remodel, several other resource conserving measures were incorporated into the design and construction of this project including: 90% recycling of construction waste, the majority of new wood is either FSC or Salvaged, engineered lumber is used rather than solid sawn beams, and during deconstruction most elements were reused or sold.  A new deck extends no further into the rear yard than the old stair landing, yet significantly expands outdoor living space. 

To reduce waste in the future, the kitchen is designed for deconstruction.  All kitchen elements can be easily removed without damaging themselves or the building structure.  Daylight and privacy in the kitchen can be modified with a rolling salvaged-street-sign shutter at the main window. 

To protect indoor air quality, finishes are non-VOC paints, natural-oil based wood finishes and low-VOC caulk and construction and adhesives.  In addition, there are no combustion appliances inside. 

Construction by Jonathon Cunha.
Photographs by Emily Hagopian and Erik Kolderup