Green Builder Media has paired with Structure Home of Woodland Hills to complete VISION House Los Angeles here in Pacific Palisades. With architecture by KAA Design Group and P2Design and sustainable interiors by Jill Wolff Interior Design, the comfortably stylish 4,300-sq.ft. house is located at 1162 Via de la Paz. Described as ‘contemporary California,’ the house is listed at $3.65 million through Sandi Jacobi at Prudential California. ’The VISION House series started in 2006,’ said Green Builder Media president Ron Jones. ‘We have worked on houses from California to the East Coast, mostly in the Sun Belt, including a house at Epcot Center in Florida that several million visitors will see.’ Green Builder Media is the leading media company in North America focused exclusively on ‘sustainable living and responsible growth’ in the ‘new green economy.’ VISION Houses are green demonstration homes that incorporate the latest building practices, design elements, technology features and energy-saving appliances, with the goal of educating builders, remodelers, designers and consumers about the latest in sustainable building practices. At a gathering last Thursday evening, Jones spoke about his company’s goal to promote the construction of appealing homes that also conserve water and energy. ‘This house will produce as much energy as it uses [through solar panels], but it’s also durable and comfortable.’ According to Jones, Structure Home was chosen to partner with his company because ‘these people care about the community, their reputation and the future of California. They proved that one doesn’t have to make a choice between economic success and environmental responsibility.” Organized in 1996, Structure Home is a builder of custom homes throughout Los Angeles, but with a significant concentration of projects in communities from Beverly Hills to Pacific Palisades. ”’ The VISION House is situated on a lot purchased from Palisadians Robert and Cynthia Kelly, who live in the house next door. The Kellys purchased a double lot years ago, and had used the second lot for a yard, pool and a small pool house. ’This is a tight lot that slopes left to right and from front to back,’ Jones said, noting that engineering was required to produce the indoor/outdoor feel of the house. Large windows and wide-open spaces help combine the outside and inside in a seamless manner. According to Karyn Clark, project manager for Structure Homes, the concrete from the pool was reused for backyard planters, and the remaining material on the property was recycled through Waste Management. ’With this house we’re trying to show what’s possible,’ Clark said. ‘We’re trying to pique interest and also share information about the [energy-saving] products used.’ For example: ‘ The second-floor deck off the master bedroom has a succulent garden (watered by a drip system) that keeps the house cool. ‘ By using Titan Cool Metal roofing, 71 percent of the sun’s rays are reflected, meaning reduced home-cooling costs during summer. By contrast, tile and composition roofs reflect about 5 percent of the rays, which mean heat is absorbed into the house and more energy is required to cool it. ‘ Solar panels, while initially an expensive proposition, will save on electric bills by generating enough energy to run the entire house, including the electric car charger in the garage. ‘There may even be energy to sell back to the grid,’ said Leviton lighting representative Jim Thrift. ‘ Lighting in the VISION House can be adjusted in conjunction with natural lighting, by having the lights programmed to go on and off at sunrise and sunset. ‘We put in the latitude and longitude coordinates,’ Thrift said. ‘Or the lights can be programmed to a variable schedule if you are on vacation.’ ‘ Since Los Angeles is situated in a desert climate, water needs and costs will continue to be an issue for residents. Future homes, much like the VISION House, will seek practical ways to reduce usage. The house has xeriscaping (drought-tolerant landscaping) and also a rainwater collection system that provides a catch-and-pump basin and uses no chemicals or additives. Permeable pavement in the driveway allows rain to drain off rather than puddle or run off. ‘ Tankless water heaters, placed close to where the water is used, will save about 8,000 gallons a year as the occupants no longer need to wait for cold water to turn hot. Fully insulated hot-water lines prevent heat and energy loss. ‘ VISION House appliances are Energy Star certified, and the duo-flush toilets can save 6,000 gallons of water annually compared to a 1.6-gallon toilet, and 16,500 gallons compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet. Since 1985, Jill Wolff Interior Design has conceived and choregraphed the architectural and interior design of more than 325 homes across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including about 20 in Pacific Palisades. She creates inviting, clean, uncluttered, yet elegant’and increasingly eco-conscious’home environments, and has been working with Structure Home since 2000.””””’ Visit:greenbuildermedia.com or structurehome.com.
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