Around Pittsburgh: An Eco Remodel to Be Proud Of

From admin on January 8th, 2010 in Pittsburgh

At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 1422 Greystone Drive is a prime example of green living for Lissa Rosenthal and Nathaniel Glosser. Their mid-century Pittsburgh house is in close proximity to both Whole Foods and the finest coffee bar around, Enrico’s Tazza D’Oro. Located just blocks from Bryant Street dining and Shadyside shopping at local favorites like Prantl’s Bakery (serving up the famous burnt almond tortes), the house isn’t half bad itself.

Stripped down to its original studs in 2006, the Highland Park residence was smartened up with the same savvy as what you’d see around the neighborhood. Just greener.

The couple made some incredibly smart green moves by way of windows and energy ststems:

• Carefully placed windows and skylights for optimal heating and cooling
• Highly efficient zoned HVAC systems
• Resourceful lighting
• Icynene, an eco-friendly insulation foam
• Energy Star electric kitchen appliances
• Paperstone Countertops made from recycled paper and resins
• Bamboo flooring and cabinetry

Outdoors, the low-maintenance landscaping consists of live bamboo and ornamental grasses. The roof is made from synthetic tiles by DaVinci Roofscapes, as well as the other coverings. All pass the green test.

The couple also makes sure to support local artisans. Included in their house plans were custom glass designs by artists Drew Hine and Ben Cunningham. The latter created a reclaimed two-story glass sculpture (above) that hangs in the home’s entryway. Buying local continues to be among the couple’s goals toward sustainability.

Rosenthal confesses that not all additions, like the kitchen’s six-burner Viking Professional Series stove and their walk-in showers with jet sprays, are eco-conscious. But she is satisfied that they stepped up to the challenge. “There is no need to be a case-study green fanatic,” said Rosenthal. “Just introduce as many green things into your home as you can.”