Gensler’s Shore Hotel is a LEED Gold Beach Retreat in Santa Monica

The new, ultra modern <a href="http://shorehotel.com/" target="_blank">Shore Hotel</a> is the first LEED Gold hotel in Santa Monica. Replacing two worn out hotels on Ocean Avenue, the family-owned boutique hotel was designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/gensler">Gensler</a> and combines a contemporary coastal guest experience with eco-friendly operations and a highly energy-efficient design. Solar thermal technology is combined with a high-performance envelope, sustainable materials, water efficiency and conservancy and an ideal location near Santa Monica's main attractions. The hotel even offers a Green Concierge program that helps guests gain access to the myriad of eco-friendly activities nearby.

Owned by the Farzam family, the Shore Hotel opened last fall and offers up a bright green alternative to chain hotels and a hum drum overnight experience.

The spot was previously occupied by the Pacific Sands and Travelodge hotels, also owned by the Farzams, and they were torn down and recycled or reused up to 50% to make way for the new hotel.

Gensler was in charge of the modern design hotel which features 164 rooms, each of which enjoy a private beach-facing balcony.

A steel-trussed roof outfitted with electric blue lighting serves as the gateway and entrance to the hip beach spot.

The hotel combines a high performance envelope, reflective roof and glazing along with energy efficient systems like automatic sensors, energy heat recovery, and even a highly efficient elevator.

The U-shaped building surrounds a solar thermal heated pool and is clad in pale sandstone to reflect sunlight.

The Shore Hotel is the first property in California to implement the <a href="http://www.savingsbydesign.com/" target="_blank">Savings by Design program</a>, allowing for participation in <a href="http://www.sce.com/b-rs/large-business/auto-demand-response.htm" target="_blank">California Edison’s Auto Demand Response</a>, which enables the hotel to earn incentives for reducing the use of energy during peak hours.

Water-wise landscaping and water efficient fixtures reduce potable water by 50%.

Guests enjoy non-toxic, naturally daylit and ventilated rooms that feature eco-friendly furnishings and finishes.

In addition, guests can Green Concierge services that provide suggestions about sustainable shopping, dining, and transportation options that are conveniently located within the vicinity of the hotel.

According to Kap Malik, Gensler’s design director on the project, “Most people think that beauty and sustainability are mutually exclusive, but the Shore Hotel achieves just the right balance of these qualities, providing an overall experience that guests truly appreciate. It was an honor to help make the Farzams’ vision a reality, bringing our global sustainability expertise to bear on a project that will make a positive impact on the environment and the local community.”

“We live in the community and work here and we want to share with our guests what makes Santa Monica such a wonderful place to visit,” CEO Steve Farzam says. “We believe that an exceptional experience at Shore Hotel includes making a real difference with our environmental initiatives.”

The hotel opened at the beginning of October in 2011.