This renovation of an Upper East Side apartment did not start as an ecodesign
project. The clients wanted to open their kitchen out into a combined
living/dining/office area in a colorful modern design. When we broached
the idea of environmentally conscious materials, they responded positively
— as long as it did not diminish the design or affect the cost. Materials
utilized included cork flooring, recycled glass tiles, recycled content
resin panels, wheatboard cabinets, linoleum desktops, recycled glass and
concrete counters, and low VOC paints and finishes.