I first noticed Kovac Architects back in 2007 when they finished their Tree House. Now it’s finally time for the firm director Michael Kovac to build a house for himself… at last. The Sycamore is being built in Pacific Palisades, California. Once finished it is expected to be granted a Platinum LEED certificate. If it gets it, The Sycamore will be one of the first Californian homes to go Platinum – it means it has a close to zero environmental impact.
The house that stood on the site, before building work commenced, was carefully demolished and given away to Reuse People – a charity that picks up and redistributes usable materials from demolition sites.
The new house is made of low impact concrete and Forest Stewardship Council’s certified wood. Its interior employs VOC-free paints, recycled glass tiles, formaldehyde-free chipboard and plywood and reused wood planks for flooring.
This eco house is expected to be completely off-grid with all its required energy produced by photovoltaic panels and geothermal heat pump.
Michael Kovac considers this house a laboratory for the company’s ongoing research in green design. The house is nearing completion and will be unveiled later in summer 2010.
I am attracted with your Sycamore Green Home Project. I will like to see more on the home design. To build this zero environment defact how much does it cost?
Hi Susie,
Thank you very much for your comment. Hang on, I’ll be posting more inspiring green home plans soon. I’m not sure how much would it be to build this house. I reckon you’d be looking to at least £600,000 on this… with all the demolition, ground work and hi-tech features involved. Having said that, I know that it is possible to build a green home for a fraction of that price. It all depends on the specs.