Gallery: Green on 19: Santa MonicaR...

Santa Monica-based architecture firm Jesse Bornstein Architecture, known for their environmentally conscious custom single-family residential homes, recently completed a sustainably designed and built 5-unit townhouse project aptly named “Green on 19 Townhomes” located in Santa Monica, California. Occupying a typical infill site within the city’s semi-urban grid, the project is “designed to support the modern lifestyles of its occupants, while supporting our global community’s need for energy efficiency,” principal architect Jesse Bornstein told Inhabitat.

Using green technology to enhance as well as shape the overall design of the units, the townhomes are composed of a series of rectilinear forms topped with semi-transparent bi-facial photovoltaic solar canopies (meaning the panels are able to generate power from both sides simultaneously) that provide shade as well as generates over 3,000 kwh electricity per year for each unit.

The townhomes also boast other green technologies and materials such as an ethanol burning fireplace in the center of each interior that effectively warms each unit’s entire two-story primary volume, FSC-Certified bamboo for cabinetry and flooring, a lighting system made up of fluorescents and LEDs, low-flow plumbing equipment and fixtures, HVAC equipment that exceeds 90% efficiency and uses non-toxic refrigerant, as well as the use of rainwater for irrigation and urban runoff mitigation and 100% drought tolerant landscaping and drip irrigation.

While these sustainable technologies and materials are the most overtly green design practices Bornstein employs, he also uses natural light and ventilation to penetrate through interior spaces, creating improved living spaces that successfully integrating the built and natural environments.

Bridging the gap between green and modern design, these custom-made urban dwellings are as environmentally responsible as they are visually pleasing.

+ Jesse Bornstein Architecture

Via Jesse Bornstein Architecture