Local Waste Management helped to coordinate the deconstruction of the existing structure, donating 60 tons of reusable materials to Habitat for Humanity to be sold in their building products retail store including wood, brick, stone, windows, doors, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures. Throughout the salvage process, old was made new whenever possible incorporating the original roof skip sheeting as new flooring for the second story of the home. The remainder of the materials, down to every single nail that held the old house together, were either up-cycled into new products or recycled, diverting another 60 tons of waste from the landfill.
Although connected to the city grid, as mandated by law, the 4,300 square-foot home generates enough energy to power itself entirely through the use of 8 passive solar hot water panels and 64 photovoltaic panels on its roof. No air conditioning is needed thanks to Santa Monica’s mild climate and the implementation of a passive cooling system that incorporates plenty of floor to ceiling fenestrations at the ground level. In addition a 5,000-gallon underground rainwater tank collects the runoff during the wet season to irrigate the home’s natural desert landscaping. Thanks to careful thought and consideration during the design of the home, DiMaccio was able to make smart choices to incorporate all of the panels needed to power the home on the relatively small lot in Santa Monica. Photovoltaics double as a shade structure for a generous balcony on the second story of the home.
Homeowners Lisa Ling and Paul Song are not about to close off their extensive green home to the public. It is intended that PUNCHouse be a showcase for local architects and designers to inspire their clients to live a modern life with the integration of efficient design and innovative products. For more information on the PUNCHouse, check out their website.
+ PUNCHouse
