David Briefel Revamps a Brooklyn Apartment Using Only Sustainable Materials

We're always telling you about the coolest looking sustainable buildings and homes in New York -- even the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/empire-state-building-achieves-leed-gold-certification/" target="_blank">Empire State Building</a> recently became LEED Gold certified! Though these spaces surely make an impact on the outside, it is of course, what is on the inside that counts. Sustainable interior designer, <a href="http://www.davidbriefel.com/" target="_blank">David Briefel</a>, recently undertook a massive overhaul of a Prospect Heights apartment, filling it with a laundry list of recycled and eco-friendly elements. Briefel's new design certainly makes this Brooklyn pad the greenest (and chicest) home on the block.

<a href="http://www.davidbriefel.com/index.php?/work/296-sterling-place/" target="_blank">296 Sterling Place</a> is a 1,500 square foot, two bedroom apartment. With nearly 20 green innovations, Briefel converted the home into a sustainable oasis with tons of open space, sneaky storage, and cozy rooms.

A big part of the renovation project was the integration of reclaimed and <a href="http://www.fsc.org/" target="_blank">FSC certified</a> wood.

Heart Pine covers the kitchen, Cyprus is used in the bedroom and study, while composite woods hold together the closets and cabinetry.

Recycled concrete was used for the bathroom counters and <a href="http://www.sanantoniowholesalelumber.com/ipe.htm" target="_blank">Ipe</a> (known more commonly as ironwood) completes the sinks and benches.

As for logistics, the apartment boasts a low wattage lighting system, including light sensors in each of the closets.

The bathroom has a <a href="http://www.howstuffworks.com/dual-flush-toilet.htm" target="_blank">dual flush toilet</a> and low flow shower heads.

All appliances are the super efficient <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/" target="_blank">Energy Star</a> brand.

The home's insulation is made from recycled denim within the walls and floors.

Breifel even used <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound" target="_blank">low VOC paint</a> to protect the occupants from harmful chemicals.

Every single piece of furniture in the home is reused or salvaged, including this table, chairs, and even the chandelier.

From old desks, chairs, and tables to a real rolling library ladder, the pieces are for the most part locally sourced from New York flea markets and warehouses.

The result of all these innovations is a perfect example of how to easily green your apartment while maintaining your personal style.

David Briefel is a Brooklyn based interior designer who received his <a href="http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1815" target="_blank">LEED accreditation</a> in 2006 and teaches LEED seminars throughout the U.S. and all over the world.