How to “Go Green”

Reclaimed antique doors from Hungary.

A rustic wooden door that opened on a hinge a century ago now functions as a sliding partition between a home office and a guestroom. It’s one of many skillful uses of architectural salvage in Rob and Suzy Renz’s newly remodeled Lakewood home. Passing through, it seems a serendipitous symbol of a new era in Green home design. In every room, carefully restored doors, cabinetry, beams, and stained glass are married perfectly with modern design elements. Reclaimed wood from a basketball gym floor – with some of the artwork still intact – finds new life in the living room and as counter tops. Century-old barn beams adorn the red and yellow checkered kitchen ceiling, creating a quaint, but inspired country look. Door frames are faux painted and distressed to match the doors. Walls are textured to complement the embedded antique cabinets. But this isn’t a cliche “old meets new” theme. It’s a home infused with a consciousness for preservation of all things valuable. Including money. The Renz’s care as much about conserving their budget as they do about conserving antiquities and finite global resources. Their Lakewood area home remodeling project is a fascinating study in Green design.

I thought “Going Green” might limit our home remodeling possibilities. Instead, it became the key to combining our passions with our conscience. - Suzy Renz

Here are some Green ideas from the Renz remodel you might consider for your own home.

Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing lowers utility bills by deflecting heat away from the attic, unlike asphalt shingles. Plus, metal roofs are attractive, easy to install, fireproof, light weight, recyclable, and last for decades, saving you money today and tomorrow.

Tankless Hot Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have become inexpensive and the savings quickly recoup your investment. Because they heat on demand, rather than run on standby, they save you from the extra cost of antiquated tanksystems. They’re quick-heating and space-efficient too!

Dense, Airtight Insulation

Dense insulation not only lowers utility bills by keeping the house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, but it also keeps out unwanted noise. Like the sound of neighbors opening their utility bills.

Reclaimed basketball gym floor.

Using Reclaimed Materials

The Renz’s used antiques and reclaimed wood from surprising sources. Every room has an interesting focal point that is sure to generate curiosity and compliments. “We’re not generic people and we didn’t want a generic house,” as Suzy described… “with Bella Vista working with us from vision to fruition, our imagination is our only limit.”

Century old barn beams on kitchen ceiling

“We feel good about doing our part, for the environment and the cost savings. With green building, if youcan imagine it, it can probably be done. The key is having a builder that will go the extra mile to do all of these things… building in the architectural salvage, making sure we were happy about the insulation in every room. At each stage of the building process, we had a meeting and talked about our progress and our options. Bella Vista has been a dream to work with.”

Call us.

Lance Tyler and Darin Breedlove, CR, CGR

We’re here to help.

(214) 823-0033

PDF of original article. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, August 2009