Sander Architects’ Double-Skinned Glass Townhouse Glows From Within

Renowned eco-conscious firm <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sander-architects-hybrid-prefab-culver-city/" target="_blank">Sander Architects</a>’ Glass Townhouse features a translucent façade that glows from within. The multi-family home in Venice Beach is outfitted with a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/double-skinned-arca-regler-facility-powered-by-geothermic-probes/" target="_blank">double skinned</a> exterior made of acrylic and glass. The modern residence shows that stylish green design can be achieved with an economical budget.

From the outside, the townhouse has a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-outerio-house-is-a-7-meter-wide-modernist-renovation/" target="_blank">glazed wall</a> that seems to float on the surface of the concrete. Exposed steel beams are found both at the foundation and on higher levels of the building.

Private balconies flank either end. One side of the building faces the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/10000th-leed-certification-awarded-to-community-center-in-santa-cruz/" target="_blank">Venice Canals</a>, which offers a degree of natural privacy.

The outermost skin is comprised of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/swags-ultralight-waterproof-backpack-bed-provides-aid-to-homeless/" target="_blank">waterproof</a> acrylic panels, which guard the inner <a href="http://inhabitat.com/checkerboard-solar-clad-housing-project-pops-up-in-paris/" target="_blank">glass walls</a>. Together, they flood each room with filtered light while providing privacy for residents. The second layer also reduces solar gain, keeping the interior cool in the summer and warm in the colder months. At night, the frosted panels glow on the outside, from ambient light within the apartments.

The glass continues throughout the interior of the apartments, in the bathroom and kitchen details. The windows and interior cut outs were installed to maximize natural air flow throughout the building. Sander also installed green features such as low-flush <a href="http://inhabitat.com/egregious-packaging-hall-of-fame-why-toilet-paper-needs-a-redesign/" target="_blank">toilets</a>, environmentally friendly low-VOC paint, and bamboo flooring. Even built-in furnishings like cabinets were sourced from sustainably managed <a href="http://inhabitat.com/eco-luxe-spanish-farmhouse-lures-vacationers-with-mediterranean-views-and-on-site-farm/" target="_blank">forests</a>.

Sander also used recycled <a href="http://inhabitat.com/3013-installation-made-from-recycled-wood-cascades-down-a-london-building/" target="_blank">plywood</a> for the interior railings and ceilings, and planted the property with indigenous plants, which require less maintenance.

Aside from the Glass Townhouses’ obvious green features, its location also appeals to the eco-conscious. The three story building is a short walking distance to public transportation, three blocks to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/picturesque-green-roofed-aquapark-rises-out-of-the-swiss-alps/" target="_blank">beach</a>, and close to amenities - including a view of the Santa Monica Mountains.