TorZo Orient Countertops Shine in 1920s Home

Posted by cmoore on 06/19/12 in Installations

TorZo Orient countertops gleam in a historic private residence in South Orange, NJ. NYC Architect Maia Gilman of Gilman Architects helped her client update the kitchen of their 1920s home with sustainability as their top priority. The project involved creating a pass-through opening to the dining room, reframing interior walls, replacing an inoperable single-glazed window with an operable double-glazed window for improved air quality and thermal control, insulating exterior walls, and augmenting lighting and color schemes throughout the entire house.

When selecting materials, sustainability had to be balanced with affordability. TorZo Orient sheets, which are made from 75% recycled wood, were used for countertops with a high-gloss Crystal Sheen finish. “TorZo was chosen for its environmental characteristics, its luster, material feel and aesthetic fit with the room overall” said Gilman. According to Gilman “The client loves the project and nurtures the TorZo countertop like a beloved piece of furniture.”

Other sustainable materials used on the job include Marmoleum floors, which contain natural ingredients like wood flour, linseed oil, pine rosin, and jute. UltraTouch recycled denim insulation was used in walls. And, Benjamin Moore Natura paint, which has zero VOCs, coated walls. To minimize construction waste, existing kitchen cabinets were removed and donated for reuse. This space is a great example of how thoroughly modern and sustainable materials can work beautifully in a traditional interior.

Credits:
Architect: Maia Gilman, Gilman Architects
Lighting Designer: Enrique García Carrera
Contractor: Bogie and Cy
TorZo Supplier: Stone Source (NYC)