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6th Annual
Sustainability in Action in Southern California Press Release for Homes for the Future Tour can be found here. A Program of Eco-Home™ Network SATURDAY & SUNDAY Presented in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society’s National Tour of Solar Homes Homes for the Future Tour 2002 offers a comprehensive look at eco-friendly living in Los Angeles. The sixth annual tour showcases local sites that feature the diversity of ”green” architecture, renewable energy technologies and eco-renovation. The unique event allows the public to examine how individual households are incorporating innovative ways to live more sustainable lifestyles. Sites feature energy- and water-conserving appliances and systems, eco-friendly interior design using non-toxic materials, fabrics and dyes, healthy-home living, organic gardening, composting, drought-tolerant landscaping, and recycling techniques. Other highlights include creative re-use of materials, passive solar and thermal mass design, graywater systems, and water catchment technology. Homeowners, architects, designers and environmental consultants will be on hand at each site to answer questions and explain how these elements can be adapted to other homes. Detailed Tour Brochure will be mailed early September. If you are NOT an Eco-Home member and would like to receive a brochure, please email Eco-Home Network at ecohome@pacbell.net Eco-Home™ Network welcomes you to its Homes for the Future Tour 2002, a showcase of sites that have been designed, built and inhabited with the future in mind. Visitors will discover how individual households and businesses have reinvented their environments to help preserve the Earth’s life-support systems so future generations may have a beautiful and resource-rich planet to inhabit. The Tour spans the gamut from Brentwood-luxurious to inner-city affordable; from state-of-the-art green manufacturing to resource-conserving municipal building; from Bauhaus to playful rustic. The sites demonstrate the diversity of “green” architecture, climate-appropriate landscaping, interior design, eco-renovation and integration of renewable energy technology. If you would like to meet people who are redefining the way we inhabit the planet, and would like to get great ideas to use in your own home, this will be time well spent. Homeowners, architects, designers and environmental consultants will be on hand at each site to answer questions and explain how visitors can adapt what they see on the Tour to their own homes. Eco-Home™ Network thanks you for your participation in Homes for the Future Tour 2002. We hope you will derive value and inspiration from this event. Julia Russell, Founding Director, Eco-Home™ Network Tour at a Glance: Saturday & Sunday, October 19 & 20, 2002 5 Saturday Sites: 4 Sunday Sites: How it Works Questions? More information? $25 – Individual, per day – All sites open that day Tickets and Eco-Home membership (new and renew) available at each site. Advance Purchase: Please make your check or money order payable to: Eco-Home Network, 4344 Russell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027, 323-662-5207. Sorry, no credit card charges. Please note that all ticket purchases are non-refundable. Saturday Tour Sites: Brentwood Santa Monica Santa Monica Los Angeles/Westside Village Valley Village Sunday Tour Sites: Arcadia Los Angeles La Crescenta Sun Valley About Eco-Home™ Eco-Home™ Demonstration Home and Tours. Open House Forums Home Rehabilitation Program (Move On Housing) Eco-Home™ Network's Sustainable Living Award Ecolution Eco-Home Reference Library & Hotline Join Us! — Ed Begley, Jr., Eco-Home Spokesperson We cordially invite you MEMBERSHIP Mission Statement Eco-Home™ Network |
An extensive remodel from the ground up provided the opportunity to combine style with health- and Earth-consciousness. Certified wood flooring, linoleum, cork, granite, copper and slate provide elegance and architectural detail. Non-toxic paints and natural plant resins and waxes for oiling, sealing and staining interior and exterior wood were used throughout the home. Custom cabinetry and furniture feature certified woods and low or non-toxic finishes. Internal systems include solar-assisted hot water heating, whole house HEPA air filtration system, non-chemical water treatment, cotton insulation, and EMF mitigation. An award-winning drought-tolerant landscape frames a small, natural aquatic ecosystem. This beautiful home illustrates the magical experience sustainable and healthy home design can create. 
A paragon of eco-responsible manufacturing, Syndesis is a design firm which manufactures, fabricates and installs custom architectural products and surfaces using Syndecrete®, a pre-cast lightweight concrete material that incorporates recycled or recovered elements. It is certified as a recycled product by Californians Against Waste. Environmental awareness is demonstrated in every aspect of the facility—from products and manufacturing, to marketing and promotional materials. The site includes a showroom, architectural and design studios, administration offices, plant facilities and a warehouse. Greenery-filled open spaces provide employees with fresh air, natural light and visual relief. 
Colorado Court, the result of the City of Santa Monica’s involvement with the Regional Energy Efficiency Initiative, is a 44-unit affordable housing showcase. Numerous environmental strategies were incorporated to conserve energy and take advantage of the sun and prevailing winds, maximizing natural daylight and ventilation. The solar array co-generates power with a natural gas-powered turbine heat recovery system. The site’s energy efficiency exceeds the State of California Title 24 Energy Code, which is expected to result in an annual savings of nearly $10,000. Features include formaldehyde-free MDF cabinetry, recycled-material carpeting, authentic linoleum, recycled blown-in cellulose insulation, double-pane, low-E, high-efficiency window glazing, compact fluorescents, energy-saving appliances, xeriscaping, permeable gravel alley & underground stormwater retention system.
Classic contemporary style based on antecedents of European Bauhaus design define this site. No wood was used in the structure or outside trim. The walls are made of insulating concrete foam manufactured by Rastra from recycled packaging Styrofoam and cement. The 12” thick blocks have an R-35 value, which, combined with the thermal mass of the blocks, results in substantial energy savings, and the cement admixture prevents insect infestation. Its 4-hour fire rating combined with steel and concrete in floor and roof areas creates a non-combustible building. In-floor hydronic heating and the thermal efficiency of the home creates nearly constant temperatures. Built to last 500+ years, the site is intended as a prototype home of the future.
A stunning example of how a healthy retreat can be created out of today’s most polluted environment—the private residence. This eco-oasis is a laboratory for the owner’s work as a certified Bau-Biologist and Environmental Consultant. Balanced with Feng Shui, it exudes a palpable welcome, starting with the drought-tolerant front garden. The interior is as toxin-free as is humanly possible: All fiberglass/mineral wool has been removed, and lead paint has been remediated; low electromagnetic fields; whole house H2O filter and air purifying systems; HVAC retrofitted; a mix of non-toxic natural/synthetic materials and finishes from Earth-friendly or sustainable sources; hardwood floors, natural linoleum and tile; natural/organic upholstered furniture, and an all-natural bedroom/showroom. Experience this peaceful and healing home.
An eco-star in the making, this 2-story, 5,000 sq. ft. residence is a Builder Partner in the EPA’s Energy Star Homes Program. It takes full advantage of climate and seasonal changes. The U-shaped design acts as a wind scoop to capture the northwesterly prevailing breeze, and the open plan atrium allows sunlight and breezes to flow throughout the house. The south façade has large windows, a greenhouse and thermosyphon air panel that take advantage of solar heat gain. Passive-solar design includes thermal mass and shading devices. The building utilizes enhanced thermal and radiant insulation, low-E glazing, and Energy Star-rated roofing. A smart water system integrates the whole-house water filter/conditioner, solar water heater and tankless water heater. The Huangs have maintained a virtually closed loop of materials throughout construction.
A transforming experience. The Los Angeles Eco-Village is a two-block neighborhood in central Los Angeles that is home to an ecological, cooperative, intentional community of 35 neighbors who are committed to demonstrating that lower impact living patterns can result in a higher quality of life. The 40-unit apartment building and adjacent grounds are eco-retrofitting works-in-progress that feature community composting, organic gardening, edible landscaping and use of recycled and non-toxic building materials. One apartment is completely off-the-grid, utilizing a 1 kw photovoltaic system and one human-energy bicycle for watching TV! There will be plenty to learn and see. Eco-Villagers will be available to discuss their experience in community living. Directions 
An eco-work of love, imagination, determination, innovation, style and whimsy. Professional artist-designer Ted Baumgart is committed to healing the environment and having fun while he’s at it. The site incorporates creative use of local and recycled materials (stone, steel, wood and glass). Features central sunspace, thermal mass rock wall, air-ducted radiant floors, a 20ft indoor waterfall, custom-made metal windows, 16PV modules, 12-volt Sunfrost refrigerator (powered by 2 of the modules), space heating, swimming pool, 200ft. outdoor model railway/food conveyer, batch solar water heaters, tankless backup, graywater system, and composting toilet! EV hookup available. Plug in at this site and you are in for a memorable eco-experience.
This fine example of simple, cost-saving ways to create a sustainable lifestyle boasts water-conserving landscaping and a graywater system. Indoor temperature moderation measures result in a 50% energy bill reduction. Other eco-efforts include fluorescent light bulbs, tubular skylights that provide healthy, natural light, and outside, a solar-powered motion detector and Malibu lights. A 2 kw PV array, compliments of LADWP, adorns the south-facing roof. Indoor air quality is improved with non-toxic cleaning products and air-cleansing houseplants. Construction materials, household products and the creative interior design are all Earth-friendly. The native plant and organic gardens extend the commitment to sustainability to every square foot of this site. Homeowner Ellen Mackey has plenty of information to share.