100-Year-Old Cottage, 21st Century Remodel

Because the house fell within a historic district, they would have to keep the street-facing facade intact. But there was nothing stopping the couple from altering the interiors to meet their needs and satisfy their curiosity: Could a reconfigured layout plus ceiling fans reduce air-conditioning bills? Could the old house be taught the new trick of collecting, filtering, and pumping shower and sink water into low-flow toilets? In Atlanta, where water rates are among the nation's highest, "that system could pay for itself in less than three years," Curt recalls thinking.