Showing posts with label Sustainability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sustainability. Show all posts

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Where to Eat: Salumi Thursdays at Mozza's Scuola di Pizza

Where do I want to eat?  What do I want to eat?  In keeping with themed summer dining, you may want to check out Salumi Thursdays at Mozza's Scuola di Pizza where chef Chad Colby works his magic with a whole, sustainably raised heritage pig by using the meat to produce his own homemade salumi.
As the chef does this every two weeks, you luck out as tonight is one of those Thursday's where you can literally 'pig-out' to freshly cured meats and know what you are eating is safe.  Try the sampling of five house-made salumi for $22, a la carte.

You may also order directly off their menu which offers pizza and fresh vegetable side dishes from $4-$6.  A variety of secondi dishes priced for $15 will certainly keep you happy and satiated by the flavors the chef brings to the table.  Order a quartino of wine and bring some friends to help sample the delights from the chef.

Mozza's Scuola di Pizza
Chef Chad Colby
Salumi Thursday's at Mozza's Scuola di Pizza
6610 Melrose Avenue (at Highland Avenue)
Los Angeles, CA 90036


 

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Ray Kappe's Benton Residence A Contemporary Warmer

Ray Kappe, FAIA is one in a handful of contemporary architects with his philosophies deeply rooted in the mid-century modern mind-set.  His works throughout town have a grounded nature to their designs, simply due to the natural resources he chooses to use and accentuate through design. Kappe's residential architecture is often referred to and characterized as "the apotheosis of the California House."
Benton Residence, Ray Kappe, FAIA Architect
You can catch a conversation between Ray Kappe and former student, Shigeru Ban presented by the Hammer Museum during it's 2008 'Hammer Conversations', an on-going series which pairs thinkers from various discipline for engaging provocative discussion on culture, science and the arts.
Ray Kappe, FAIA - LivingHomes.net
As his homes are popular with buyers, we find them even being featured as characters on TV, as with The Benton Residence, in an episode of 'Californication'.


The beautiful design consists of a 5000 square foot steel column and glue-laminated beam construction, originally designed as a large addition to the existing home on the upper portion of the gently sloping dell it rests.  This Brentwood site is very quiet and private with absolute seclusion where a design integrates interior and exterior spaces with the use of large glass panels.
Benton Residence, Ray Kappe, FAIA - Architect
The position the home rests on the lot taking into consideration the surrounding landscape and existing major trees, while incorporating vertical grain Douglas fir, stone pavers, glass and steel staircase along with the metal fireplace showcasing the dynamic materials throughout this design. 
Ray Kappe modular RK1 design - Elevation A, LivingHomes.net
Kappe's modular home designs are currently being built.  As affordability is always an emphasis on Kappe's work, his approach with his modular designs for LivingHomes takes into account his passion for sustainability, affordability and environment. You will even find a reminiscent Benton Residence modular design with Kappe's RK1 eco-friendly design plans.

I should note I happen to live in a Ray Kappe, FAIA 1962 amazing design.  Even though there has been major alterations to the original vision by a previous owner, elements of his philosophy of sustainability can still be seen throughout my home.
Ray Kappe, FAIA - Architect, 1962
*Some photos courtesy LivingHomes.net

Monday, February 13, 2012

French Architect, Patrick Partouche, Contains Life in Lille


'Maison Container Lille' by Patrick Partouche, Lille, France
This is a wonderful example of what you could do with shipping containers as the French architect, Patrick Partouche shows us a thing or two about the sustainable residential design he has created, 'Maison Container Lille'.  He proves you do not have to sacrifice in design to achieve comfortable, contemporary sustainable living solutions.  This eco-friendly home is just a sign of the times.
'Maison Container Lille' by Patrick Partouche, Lille, France 
 Above Exterior Images © Manuel Djamdjian.  All images courtesy of Patrick Partouche
The recently completed 'Maison Container Lille', a single family residence created from eight shipping containers within the countryside of Lille, France.  The units combine to generate 2,238 square feet of living space which overlook a field with cows through a facade of glazed panels. The original doors on the ground and upper level may be opened or closed from the outside for privacy or to protect from direct sunlight. Resting upon reinforced concrete foundations, the dwelling was installed within three days on-site. The maritime containers were transported by truck and placed during construction with a crane.
upper level  image © manuel djamdjian
Large polycarbonate and glass bay windows with low-e coating and argon gas infill clad the front and rear elevation, serving as a thermal bridge and providing plenty of natural light. The removed corrugated sheets were introduced as decorative elements within the living spaces. the exterior complies with local regulations while the interior material palette of galvanized steel, poppy red columns and wood generates an industrial atmosphere as desired by the inhabitants.
(left) facade detail (right) oprning the shipping container doors
images © manuel djamdjian

(left) living area  (right) kitchen
images © manuel djamdjian

hammock suspended within the living area
image © manuel djamdjian

living and dining area
image © manuel djamdjian

(left) dining area  (right) spiral stair to upper level
images © manuel djamdjian

(left) top of stair  (right) downward view of galvanized steel stairs
images © manuel djamdjian

upper level steel grate catwalks
image © manuel djamdjian

(left) children's play area  (right) bedroom
images © manuel djamdjian

corridor
image © manuel djamdjian

children's bedroom
image © manuel djamdjian

(left) polycarbonate windows produce privacy for the bathroom
(right) partial solid facade screens the bathtub

images © manuel djamdjian

delivery of components to site

containers rest upon concrete foundations

a crane stacks the upper level into place

placing upper level container into its final location

Floor Plans:
floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

roof plan

elevation

elevation

elevation

project info:
program: single-family
year: 2010
area: 2,238 square feet
duration of studies / work duration: 6 months / 6 months
specific materials used: recycled and managed eight containers, terracotta, metal, wood, polycarbonate, glass

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Venice Modern Home Tour: February 18

The Modern Home Tour is coming to Venice on February 18!  Southern California Realtors & real estate professionals: We are inviting you to purchase discounted tickets!Go ahead and try the Promo code and see if you can get a discount, if interested.  Not sure if I can make it this year?  For anyone wanting to check out some great contemporary designs and introduce yourself to talented new architects from the Southern California area, the Venice, Modern Home Tours is for you.  Get your tickets while they last.  Nine homes will be exhibited on Saturday, February 18, 2012.



Modern Home Tours is proud to present the first annual Venice Modern Home Tour.

What: Nine Modern homes throughout Venice
When: Saturday, February 18, 2012 (11am to 6pm)
Homes on the Tour may be previewed here
Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.  
USE PROMO CODE "REALTOR" FOR $5 OFF EACH TICKET.




Sunday, June 26, 2011

Nob Hill Haus is Leader in Los Angeles Sustainability

Check out the video I did yesterday of one of my favorite days in Los Angeles.  Finally a fully sustainable home arrives.  Congratulations to owners / architects, Frank Pasker and Grit Leipert for tackling one of the toughest utilities in the city.  Being the first modern home permitted for Gray Water usage is a huge deal, not to mention the time and process involved with instructing a city on how it actually is to work.  Yesterday, the owners opened their doors and invited the community into their home to see this template for the 'Home of the Future' as this meets maximum sustainability standards.  In May of 2011, the couple received recognition by the City of Los Angeles for your "environment friendly attitude and for the outstanding creativity in architectural and sustainable design in building your new home "The Nob Hill Haus".




The excerpt from their recognition on the project.

If you were unable to check out the home tour yesterday at 4825 Nob Hill Dr, Mount Washington and have questions I may be able to answer, feel free to give me a call, 213-305-8537.
In the meantime, have a modern day!

Steve Ward
Realtor®, SFR®
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Specialist
modernhomeslosangeles
Keller Williams Realty - Los Feliz
Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource
DRE Lic #01871422
213.305.8537 direct
steve.ward.la@gmail.com
MODCOM - LA Conservancy Modern Committee