Greenovation: Environmentally Friendly, Non-toxic Renovation

Renovation of the Lapine House in Essex, New York was undertaken with careful limitation of toxic chemicals and volatile compounds. Since one of the owners has asthma and a severe allergy to many chemical contaminants, she rigorously checked the labels and ingredients on all products used during the renovation process. The interior and exterior stains and paints (AFM Safecoat and Dunn-Edwards) contained low or no volatile organic compounds and no toxic ingredients. The low V.O.C.'s in those products are food grade ingredients. The hardwood floors were sanded and refinished with a water-based polyurethane, made by AFM Safecoat, that emits no noxious fumes or odor, and a wall-to-wall natural fiber sisal carpet with natural rubber backing warms the upstairs hall and master bedroom floors. No hazardous glues were used in its binding or installation. In addition to ensuring the preservation of the indoor air quality and the health of the home's inhabitants, all these products ensure the safety of outdoor biological systems as they are environmentally responsible, sustainable and non-polluting and far exceed every federal and state air quality regulation, including the very stringent California laws.

We have selected products/materials that contribute to a safe and healthy, indoor environment. Some of the criteria we used to evaluate appropriate alternatives include zero or insignificant release of pollutants/toxins/irritants; improved ongoing removal of indoor pollutants/toxins/irritants; and superior light and air quality. All tile adhesive, grout, plaster, sealants, and all other construction/design products were replaced with earth and human-friendly organic alternative products, with naturally derived ingredients and no known hazardous chemicals. Additionally, all cleaning supplies since the purchase of the home have been organic and chemical-free.

Many of the products/materials we prohibited in the Lapine House renovation include these known hazardous chemicals found in many common home renovation and cleaning products: Formaldehyde, Artificial Fragrances, Flame Retardants, Amonia, Dioxane, Ethanals, Amonias, Chlorides, Benzene, Butyls, PCB’s, Petroleums, Polyurethane, Glycol Ether, Morpholine, Phosphates, Acids, Toluene, Kerosene, and Acetates, to name only a few. These pollutants may off-gas dangerous chemicals into the air for months or years, and can produce a wide range of acute neurological toxicities, cancers, and dysfunction of the immune, endocrine, pulmonary, and reproductive systems.

We eliminated ozone-depleting and dangerous components found in conventional preservative-treated woods, pressed wood and particleboard products with unhealthy glue binders and other known hazardous substances, and when possible we have opted for materials and products derived from post-consumer content, rapidly renewable resources, FSC certified wood and wood products, and other naturally or minimally processed materials. To save on the house's energy consumption, we added insulation in the attic, baths and kitchen, installed only "Energy-Star" efficient appliances, water saving fixtures and faucets, and an on-demand water heating system. In addition to installation of products that reduce energy usage in the short and long term, we have also considered energy consumption incurred during harvest or extraction, manufacturing and/or processing, marketing and sale, distribution, transportation, installation and disposal.

We have minimized new construction and replacement in lieu of restoring and rehabilitating existing construction. We reused trim, finish work and doors, and the damaged roofing material which we replaced was salvaged, sorted and recycled by an area business. Stone used in exterior landscaping was reclaimed from another Essex home we are currently renovating. Previous cabinets, ceiling fans, appliances, sinks, toilets and fixtures were donated to new owners and/or recycled.

In addition to sourcing all possible materials and products locally, we have made a concerted effort to invest in local labor and expertise throughout all stages of the Lapine House renovation.

Lapine House, Master Bath 1

Lapine House, Master Bath 2

Lapine House, Guest Bath

Lapine House, Kitchen 1

Lapine House, Half Bath

Lapine House, Floor Plans

Please feel free to download the floor plans for the first and second floors of the Lapine House. Note that two versions are provided, with and without room dimensions.

• Lapine 1st Floor Layout
• Lapine 2nd Floor Layout
• Lapine 1st Floor Dimensions
• Lapine 2nd Floor Dimensions

Note: Floor plans are made available as PDF documents. In order for you to be able to view floor plans, Adobe Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, then you can download your free copy by clicking here. Once you have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader, please follow the instructions below, depending on which browser you use.

Internet Explorer or Opera:
Right click on the 'Download now' button and then select "Save Target As..." from the pop-up menu that will appear. Then select the directory where you would like the plans saved. For example your desktop.

Firefox:
Right click on the 'Download now' button and then select "Save Link As..." Then select the directory where you would like the plans saved. For example your desktop.

Lapine House, Back Deck