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YEAR REMODELED:
2009
STYLE:
CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN
CABINETRY:
PAPERSTONE
CUSTOM MADE SINK
FSC CERTIFIED TEAK SPA DECK
FLOORING SURFACE:
RIVERSTONE FLOORING SURFACE
GREEN FEATURES:
LOCALLY-MADE CABINETRY
PAPERSTONE COUNTERS
ECO-RESIN SHOWER DIVIDER
RECLAIMED LUMBER TRIM
SPACING SAVING DESIGN
DAYLIGHTING TECHNIQUES
SEE "A GREEN HISTORIC REMODEL" FOR FULL PROJECT PROFILE
UNIQUE FEATURES:
JAPANESE UFuro-STYLE SPA
ECO RESIN "BEAR GRASS FADE" SHOWER DIVIDER
CUSTOM VANITY AND LINEN CABINETS
LAMINAR FLOW CEILING FAUCET FOR SPA
OPEN SHOWER WITH FLOOR DRAIN
RE-CLAIMED LUMBER TRIM
This bathroom project was a collaboration between the homeowner, Meadowlark Builders, and architect Michael Klement of Architectural Resource. The homeowner, a designer and engineer by profession, had a sketch of what he wanted. Working with the architect, the design was refined and finish materials were discussed.
Meadowlark Builders then used our 3-D rendering expertise to produce life-like images of what various finish options would look like. We used our knowledge of cabinetry and finishes to help refine the final look of how this bathroom would come together to create a calming visual experience. A completely custom sink, spa and shower enclosure required our engineering expertise to pull these details together.
Due to a hot roof/cold deck above the second floor bathroom, we were able to run our plumbing in the ceiling of the bathroom to install a laminar flow faucet for the spa. The water filling the tub from the ceiling creates a dramatic effect, but has the utilitarian purpose of removing a faucet that would impede entry and egress from a the sitting tub. We had briefly considered one that would swivel out of the way, but it was against Michigan building code.
Our client requested teak for the spa deck due to it’s water-impervious nature. As part of the LEED for Homes program, we were required to find wood certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The FSC-certified teak we used for the spa deck was very difficult to acquire. Many people will say they have it, but when pressed for documentation, could not produce it. In the end, we were able to acquire teak that was plantation-grown in Costa Rica. We had our chain of custody for the wood.
Finding FSC-certified teak plywood posed a bigger challenge - it doesn’t exist. We all decided to make our cabinets from white oak, which has a grain that is somewhat similar. By custom staining the cabinetry to match the teak, we we able to achieve a balance between the woods in the room.
This bathroom turned out to be one of the most unique and inviting spaces we have built. The iconic image of the spa has turned up in several national magazines, websites and advertisements. As with most bathrooms photographs, however, what you don’t see is often just as interesting.
