The Vicino House rests on a cliff overlooking about 180 degrees of Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean. But the view isn’t the only thing worth mentioning with this gut renovation. In fact, the Pacific Palisades home achieved LEED Platinum certification and all electricity is provided by a 28-panel, 5.2 kW rooftop photovoltaic array. Two solar thermal panels provide about 70% of the domestic hot water needs.
ECO Modern Flats is undergoing a transformation right now in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The multifamily project was built 40 years ago, but that’s not stopping developers from renovating the place to anticipated LEED Gold level certification. And they’re doing it with a modern, yet attainable, approach, too.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Thomas McGrath, owner of this gut-rehab in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Before talking, I figured the home was like many others seeking LEED Platinum certification. It has energy-efficient appliances, modern finishes, and on-site green power. But there’s really a lot more to it. This is a fascinating case study of salvage and reuse.
Earth Bound Homes is involved with several ultra-green homes and this one in California deserves a mention. It was designed by Bill Leddy, LMS Architects, and built by Earth Bound Homes for David and Stephania Kaneda, receiving a Green Point Rated score of 268 and LEED Platinum certification.
This is the Helenowski Residence, a gut-rehab in Chicago that achieved the highest LEED for Homes point total ever with 119 points, according to LEED for Homes provider Alliance for Environmental Sustainability. The 3,300 square-foot renovation achieved an impressive HERS rating of 13 and is net-zero energy with the help of rooftop solar power and a vertical axis wind turbine.
Project Profiles
