Page 45 - Green Builder MagazineJan-Feb 2019 HOTY Issue

Sensible design and sustainability combine to
revitalize a classic southern N.Y. structure.
BY ALAN NADITZ AND GREEN BUILDER STAFF
HEN THE BLACK FAMILY went
searching for a new home, they
literally found what they were
looking for inside a 1930s farmhouse
in rural Katonah, N.Y. There was an
W old-time charm in the two-story, four-
bedroom, three-bath dwelling. But it simply wasn’t
big enough to accommodate a family of ve.
That’s where, according to homeowner Jason
Black, the fun began. “We prepared ourselves
for the concept of ‘Tiny House Living,’ as we
reduced our family-of- ve’s footprint into just a
few rooms,” Black says. “ButŽyou can’t prepare
29-67 GB 0119 HOTY.indd 43
yourself to do this within the context ofŽan
activeŽconstruction site.”
That’s right: The Black family lived in the
house while it was undergoing an expansion.
“TheŽchallenges of living in boxes, with little to no
personal space, and a kitchen consisting of no more
than a table, hot plate and microwave are obvious,”
Black notes. “But it was the compounded e“ects
of fending o“ construction dust in aŽhome with
no roof, doors or windows, and a thin blue tarp
preventingŽcomplete exposure to the elements—
that made this experience truly memorable …
[There’s] nothing like using mosquito nets at night
while you sleep.”
2/6/19 4:08 PM