Koening Project
Mark and Phyllis Koenings, Fairview, NC Scope of my work: IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) Consultantion and Architectural Design for renovation and addition to existing residence in Fairview, NC Project Description: Phyllis and Mark Koenings called on me as an IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) or Healthy Home consultant and that meeting resulted in a long term relationship to complete construction drawings for an architectural renovation on their entire home. They had a couple of plans completed by local architects, but really wanted to take a more conservative, budget minded and practical approach to the project, which I provided.
The Koenings were a joy to work with -- wonderful, warm-hearted people with a realistic yet tasteful vision of what they wanted in a new home. The architectural plans reflected these needs by turning a small and dark walled off living, dining and kitchen area into a great room with clear room divisions through spatial layout. This space went from disjointed to warm and welcoming (including a small entry foyer in the mix). One of the needs was more storage! Imagine that. Well- more storage, and sophisticated, clean lined storage, they got, without blowing the budget. Bringing more light in and expanding the living room space was essential, which was also achieved without breaking the bank. Wow, what a transformation! The Master bedroom and bath required a whole new makeover gaining space, warmth and light, which were also beautifully achieved. The existing hardwood floors throughout were refinished beginning with a Minwax water based stain followed by AFM Polyureseal BP Gloss (3 coats) to seal in the harmful toxic outgassing of the Minwax. The Koenings chose to use AFM Safecoat NW Primer and Transitonal Primer along with AFM Flat, Eggshell, Semi Gloss and Cabinet / Trim Enamel paints throughout. The paints were tinted locally at a family owned Ben Moore dealer. I have found that adding lighter standard pigments to AFM paints does not instigate a toxic reaction due to the supposed toxin increase with the pigments. Phyllis, for example, who has struggled with sensitivities, did well with the AFM Safecoat finishes tinted at the local Ben Moore dealer. As needed, AFM Safecoat Safe Seal was also used to seal in any formaldehyde on plywood and particle board surfaces including wall, roof and floor sheathing. Phyllis made great choices in using natural local resources for kitchen countertops (concrete and river rock combination), tile and formaldehyde free cabinet grade plywood (PureBond). The results are nothing short of absolutely wonderful! I would love to live in their home and that says a lot! The exterior changes were also quite transforming in a sustainable way by combining brick and fiber cement siding along with appropriate below grade waterproofing on the small crawl space addition (which I would have preferred be a basement addition, but was changed due to budgetary restraints). A fun and successful project through and through!
|
Helpful Links
•
|
