LEEDing in Santa Monica

On March 20^th the City of Santa Monica Green Building Program showcased six houses that were certified as LEED Platinum.  I was able to visit four of them, all of which were impressive.  What I appreciated the most was the effort put into these homes to make sure that the materials cooling and warming the house reduced energy needs, rather than focus on showy yet superficial fixtures.  The results were impressive—I think anyone would be thrilled to live in one of these homes, which were chic yet energy efficient.

LivingHomes designed the first house I visited; it is also the first house in the country the US Green Building Council certified as LEED Platinum.  It’s modern, open, and airy—very typical of most of these homes, which have a “chimney” effect in mind that serves to move air up and out of the home, limiting the need for any climate control.  Many materials were used with waste diversion in mind, including the sleek, and recycled, porcelain bathroom tiles.  Built in 8 hours with prefab materials, recycled denim is the material behind its insulation, its concrete floor is embedded with flyash, and on top lies a garden that helps cool the 2500 square foot structure.

  Another home that left me green with envy (sorry, bad pun) is the Boldt Residence.  The rear of the house was fitted with panels that maximized rain water harvesting, while much of the structure boasted photocatalytic stucco, which helps break down toxic particles in the air.  The landscaping was sharp, with limited turf grass and drought resistant plants making for a pleasant and comfortable yard.With all the open space, dare I saw it would make for a great party house.

  One house that is not yet finished, but opened for a tour, was the Kanok Residence.  The house salvaged most of the materials that comprised the house that had stood on the lot.  Instead of a wood frame, the bones of this house were APEX structural building blocks, which hold up the structure while insulating it at the same time.  But the gardener in me LOVED the cistern under construction in the front yard, which will collect storm water runoff, allowing irrigation for the home’s landscaping.

  LEED is not without its criticism (build it, then forget it), and many of these materials have a price point that will make most homeowners and builders blanch.  At the same time, more people need to tour these homes—minimizing your home’s environmental footprint can not only save you money in the long run, but is healthier (indoor air is often worse than what we breathe outside), and all of these homes made for great living spaces.  Let’s just hope these materials will catch on, scale, and become more affordable.