A 1920s bungalow in Spartanburg’s historic Converse Heights neighborhood has been renovated as an eco-friendly house to EarthCraft -certifiable standards.

Z-ecospaces - a partnership between Keller Williams Realtor Nancy Reihle, contractors Jason Head and Litia Wellmon of JL Design Builders & Renovations, Inc., and interior designer Beth Harley of H2R Interiors – renovated the Craftsman-style home with an eye to energy savings, renewable materials, superior indoor air quality, beautiful design, and comfort.

Using the already existing eco-friendly architectural features of the home – including deep eaves and large windows placed for effective cross-ventilation – Z-ecospaces added extremely tight insulation, bamboo hardwood floors, low VOC-emission paint and finishes, all-maple kitchen cabinets, cement countertops, recyclable carpet, top-of-the-line Energy-Star appliances, and Hardi board siding.

The EarthCraft standards guided many of the decisions made during the renovation. The home expanded from two bedrooms and one bath, to four bedrooms, three full baths, and two half-baths, and doubled in square footage without increasing its footprint – a feat Z-ecospaces managed by digging and finishing a new lower level.

Outside, more than 1,000 square feet of decking and wiring for an outdoor kitchen was added on two levels to promote outdoor recreation and relaxation.

An important part of the project was educating local builders, architects, and homebuyers about building and renovating green. More than 250 people attended three open houses at the property, and Z-ecospaces partnered with Upstate Forever and its suppliers to provide educational materials to the public.

The renovation at 774 Rutledge St. was featured in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal  and in Carolina Living Vol. XX, Number 2.

For information on this renovation, call Realtor Nancy Reihle at 864.415.0622. For information on EarthCraft House™, see www.southface.org.