Improvement with Eco-Friendly Construction in Missouri

SHOW ME SUCCESS: RETHINKING HOME IMPROVEMENT WITH ECO-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION

by Gus Wagner

Show Me Success is a series of interviews with Missouri entrepreneurs and business owners who are making a name for themselves throughout the state. These business owners do exactly what our state motto suggests – they show how they had an idea, got started and are making waves in their field.

In 2007, Rethink Renovations was born out of an idea: the marriage of the old and the new.

As a St. Louis-based, family-owned and operated design/build firm, Rethink Renovations blends progressive ideology with traditional roots to offer green construction, design/build, and full lines of cabinetry and furniture that minimize environmental impact.

The company works with homeowners, design firms, and architects to create eco-friendly remodeling solutions that include sustainably-harvested wood, and locally-produced, non-toxic materials. Rethink Renovations is committed to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of spaces, but, more importantly, to preserving the health and well-being of the clients who will create memories in the spaces.

Owner Gail Griswold-Elwyn discusses her history with Rethink Renovations and the eco-friendly services she’s happy her company provides.

Missouri.com: What inspired you to launch Rethink Renovations? How has your background and experience helped contribute to the direction and vision of the company?

Gail: My husband and business partner had a long history in construction and was always amazed at the amount of waste that goes into remodeling and building. I had a newborn at home and so became very aware of indoor air quality—and the products that were polluting the quality of the air we were breathing. My husband and I combined our skillsets and interests to create a sustainable remodeling and building company. My business educational background coupled with my interest in real estate and design made it a perfect entrepreneurial fit.

Missouri.com: Can you provide an example of how you blend progressive ideology with traditional roots to offer green construction solutions?

Gail: It is where design meets technology and materials. Basically, it is the idea that you can build a stylish, high-quality home that is built to last (both in construction and design), but that also uses the latest innovations in green construction. It is combining timeless with the latest, proven eco-conscious methodologies.

Missouri.com: What are some easy tips that our readers could implement to make their home safer and more environmentally sustainable?

Gail: Make sure your HVAC system is up to date; today, you can purchase HVAC systems that have a 96 percent efficiency rating. In addition, I would recommend conducting an energy audit in your home to see what is working efficiently and what is not. I also recommend becoming more conscious of the products you are using—and the level of toxins those products contain. If you are finishing your floors, make sure the company uses a water-based finish. Put thermal panels on your windows to increase efficiency (and save you money). Change your air filters every six months (at the bare minimum) and invest in sustainable products that are produced locally.

Missouri.com: What are some eco-inspired trends that you’re excited about?

Gail: What’s old is now new. I love when I see pieces that have been repurposed; heirloom furniture that has been refinished, vintage pieces reconfigured for modern use, etc. In addition, I love the fact that reclaimed wood is becoming more and more popular in new construction and remodeling jobs. It’s beautiful and earth-friendly!

Missouri.com: What are some marketing strategies you’ve used to attract clients to your niche services?

Gail: We’ve grown Rethink Renovations by becoming involved in the green movement in St. Louis, MO and becoming a part of the causes we care about. Sponsorship and educational opportunities are wonderful networking avenues, and we’ve met great clients, partners, vendors, and referral sources through these events.

Missouri.com: If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what business related advice would you give yourself?

Gail: Follow your gut instinct. Although it is wonderful to gather a myriad of opinions before making a decision or narrowing a market focus, the right answer is usually the one you’ve felt was right from the beginning. I would encourage the younger Rethink Renovations team to trust themselves and move forward confidently with their mission.

Missouri.com interview.

Rethink Renovations Sponsors eARThworks 2012

 

Rethink Renovations Receives First Place – At Home Magazine – 2012 Design Award – Green Construction of a Home

 

 

 

 

Rethink Renovations receives First Place from St. Louis At Home Magazine - 2012 Design Award for Green Construction of a Home.

We are pleased to be recognized by an accomplished panel of judges:

• DWELL Editor-in-Chief- Amanda Dameron
• Designer, Bunny Williams
• House Beautiful editor, Newell Turner
• Oklahoma City National Memorial architect, Hans Butzer

 

For party pics of the event, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To understand the eco conscious elements of the Windsor Acres project, we start with the envelope.

From the existing one and half story brick structure, the team reframed the interior walls and second story using 2×6 construction and engineered trusses. The two story plus garage addition was built with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs).  The roof was built with solar ready design and eco friendly shingles, and the interior was sealed with wet spray cellulose.

The Southern facing rooms aid in passive solar design along with the eight sun tunnels and 4 skylights to bring natural light into areas that normally would not receive them. Two sun tunnels run from the rooftop through two chaises to the first floor kitchen.

The mechanical system includes high tech HVAC with Geothermal and zoned smart systems.  The homeowner can adjust the temps from anywhere in the world.  With the energy efficient windows and solar ready design, this home can easily become net zero.

The eco conscious elements inside the home include:  sustainably harvested walnut floors; reclaimed Wyoming snow fence for the family room beam and tub surrounds; all green certified quartz countertops; locally made FSC certified and non toxic cabinetry; made in St. Louis custom master bath double concrete sink;  green certified carpet; all non toxic paint and finishes; heated and cooled floors in the master bath, family and dining rooms, in the three car garage.

This home has received the U.S. Department of Energy Builder’s Challenge Certificate and is LEED and ANSI green registered.

The energy efficient design lends to an air tight envelope that sets the stage for the custom eco friendly interior, making this home not only great for the environment, but also a healthy space for the clients to reside.

St. Louis Design Week – FORM Show – our exhibit!

We loved being part of St. Louis Design Week’s FORM show.

Girl’s Bedroom Featuring Our Custom Green Eco-Friendly Urban Recycled Craft Table and Stool Set

Rethink Renovations- St. Louis Green Construction, Cabinetry, Furniture

Girl’s Bedroom Featuring Our Custom Green Eco-Friendly Urban Recycled Craft Table and Stool Set

Master Bathroom Remodel

 

Nominated for At Home Magazine Design Awards 2012

Nominated for At Home Magazine Design Awards 2012 – Green Construction of a Home

We are proud to be nominated this year for our Kirkwood project.  Winners announced Oct. 18th, 2012.

 

 

Exited about our latest install- Custom Urban Recycled Siberian Elm Bookshelves

Exited about our latest install- Custom Urban Recycled Siberian Elm Bookshelves-Rubbed Finish

Rethink Renovations -St. Louis Green Construction, Cabinetry, Furniture

 

 

Handmade Stools from Urban Recycled Black Walnut, Siberian Elm, Hickory, Silver Maple

And here they are!

Handmade Stools from Urban Recycled Black Walnut, Siberian Elm, Hickory, Silver Maple

After their aforementioned coats of clear finish ensuring a durable, long life for these little beauties, they are finished and ready for new homes!

I hope these brief explanations help to foster appreciation for what it means to own a hand crafted piece of furniture.  These are truly solid, well built pieces that will last the lifetime of your children and will be around for visits from grandchildren!

“heirloom” [air-loom] : noun

1. a family possession handed down from generation to generation.

Our furniture pieces are now available for purchase at City Sprouts on the U City Loop and on Etsy.com

Check us out and tell a friend!

the anatomy of a Rethink Renovations piece…

 

These images show the process that Patrick goes through to hand make each stool and each piece of our furniture.

The pieces of each stool are dry fit together, hand planed and sanded; adjusted as many times as necessary for a snug fit.  The pieces are then permanently connected together with glue and clamped to dry.

The care and consideration even the smallest of pieces commands (like our stools here) is testament to the craftsmanship and pride we take in this process and the final product.

After dried and unclamped, the stools are ready to be sanded and finished.  The stools shown here are ready and waiting for their turn to be finished.  Each one gets three coats of a water based finish, however, we also have water based milk paints in several colors that would be done at this time too.