June 27, 2011

Water Wise House in Mt. Washington

Mt. Washington Home. Source: LA Times
"Those who follow sustainable design say the new residence could very well be one of the most water-efficient houses in the region, a milestone for L.A. as the city seeks better models of conservation. The Nob Hill Haus, as its owner-designers call it, could serve as a template for the house of the future here." (Click here for a link to the full LA Times story.)
Laundry, bath, and sink water flows into this tank before traveling through perforated underground pipes that feed plants. Source LA Times
Partners Frank Pasker and Grit Leipert "let California's scarcity of two resources — power and water — shape the design philosophy for" their new 2,400 square foot Mt. Washington home, which is designed to reduce energy and water consumption to the greatest extent possible. The couple's ultimate goal is to make it a net-zero energy home.

The Los Angeles region is poised to grow considerably over the next couple decades and a similar "design philosophy" is needed for the region to grow sustainably. Climate scientists predict drier and shorter Sierra winters, which means less water for Southern California. As Pasker points out, "California challenges you to do something because of the climate...You want to work with the climate, not against it." Working with the climate, with a particular focus on energy and water, will become the hallmark of successful sustainable design and help shape the future of development in Southern California.
Composting Bins. Souce: LA Times

Green Credentials:
  • Gravity fed grey water system with no pumps, filters or electrical devices
  • Grey water system treats 160 gallons of water per day, which then waters the yard through a series of underground perforated pipes
  • 1,500 gallon cistern used to capture rainwater and water backyard plants
  • 50% water use reduction from the typical Los Angeles home
  • 120 gallon roof-mounted solar water heater
  • 50% thicker walls than required to reduce heating/cooling needs
  • 3.2 kilowatt solar array designed to offset any electricity use

1,500 gallon cistern, which holds captured rainwater for plant watering. Source LA Times

1 comment:

  1. An interesting article about water conservation in El Paso. It underscores the importance of such efforts in Southern California and could even help provide a model for best practices.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jun/27/water-conservation-el-paso-texas

    ReplyDelete