The Vinico house is an ultra-sustainable house that overlooks the Pacific Palisades bluffs in California. It features an 180˚ view of the Bay Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean. The house was originally built somewhere in the middle of 1950s, which was later demolished and reworked upon making it into a platinum LEED marvel.
Much more space was added to its final design, that uses a range of remarkably sustainable material and systems, which are highly energy efficient.
“Luxurious design with Sustainable living” was the project basis adopted during the designing of this marvel by Tim McCarthy. Michael Gottlieb, who is the owner and developer of Vinico House considered strongly on the importance, of pulling to its extent, the term “sustainable living” in order to make the place have more of a luxurious feel.
The completed house envelope got a 75% higher rating than the strict California’s energy Title 24 codes. All through the design and construction of the house, the team focused on completely new methods and strategies in order that the house may exuberate luxury in a very sustainable package. The power supply to the house is provided by a rooftop 5.2KW photovoltaic array that has 28 panels. There are also two thermal panels, which provide about 70% of the hot water for domestic needs.
Vicino also has walls that are opening doors, made all of glass. The flooring is all hardwood FSC Ipe. The glass counters here are all 100% recycled, the concrete counters are made all of recycled content. The place also has customized LED lighting. The plaster walls are made from the exquisite bio-lime material and the place is radiant floor heated.
To conserve energy the home is well insulated with a bio-based cum blown-in insulation. In order to maintain the circulation of clean air inside, the paints used were either low in VOC or had zero VOC. Similarly, the glues and sealants used in the interiors were either VOC free or had low VOC content.
Another key element to the design is the water conservation ideas that have been implemented, through using fixtures that have a low flow and the place also supports outdoor drought tolerant equipment.
