Old pickle factory converted into beautiful, nearly net-zero energy home

Design studio <a href="http://brightcommon.com/" target="_blank">Bright Common</a> saw an eco-friendly opportunity in a place many others would only associate with unpleasant smells. The Philadelphia-based firm transformed a former pickle factory in the city’s Fishtown neighborhood into a contemporary and near net-zero energy live-work space. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/adaptive-reuse" target="_blank">adaptive reuse</a> project includes many energy-saving elements, from solar panels to low-flow plumbing fixtures.

The architects added custom arch-top Douglas fir doors from Clingerman Doors.

Bright Common shows off the factory’s industrial character with the inclusion of exposed original brick and even a vintage motor—once part of a service elevator—that hangs above the kitchen counter.

The 1880s warehouse was converted into a modern live-work studio for fine arts photographer Jaime Alvarez and girlfriend Leah Shepperd.

The new home achieves a contemporary and fresh aesthetic through open-plan layouts, state-of-the-art Energy Star appliances, and clean minimalist furnishings.

The spacious industrial building minimizes heat loss with super insulated and airtight construction as well as a high-efficiency air-to-air heat pump.

A two-story-tall operable skylight space and other windows allow natural light and ventilation to pass through the space.

Careful design of the dovetailed energy and envelope systems has earned the project a HERS rating of 34 and infiltration rate of 1.97 ACH50.

Due to the “near-zero energy retrofit,” the studio only totals around $175 a month in utility bills.

The 1,000-square-foot studio space.

The home is partially powered by solar energy.

Shot of the former pickle factory in disrepair.

Interior shot of the former warehouse.

Renovation under construction.