In the vibrant Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles, a revolutionary home stands as a beacon of sustainability and luxury: Saint Clair. This extraordinary residence is meticulously engineered to withstand the myriad challenges that life in the City of Angels presents, all while enhancing the tranquility of its inhabitants through a sophisticated passive design that prioritizes ecological responsibility.
The inspiring duo behind this project, husband and wife team Kyle and Mary Kovacs of Aramyan Kovacs Design, took on the ambitious endeavor of constructing Los Angeles’ first-ever Phius-certified home—an achievement they celebrated in 2023. The roots of this vision trace back to a heartfelt discussion about the legacy they wished to leave for their three children, catalyzing the exploration into more sustainable living practices.
As Mary shared with *The Cool Down*, “He’s like: ‘I want to leave something behind for the kids. Show them what is important in this world. It’s not just what we want, what we need, and [these] beautiful things we build for our clients.’” This dialogue laid the groundwork for a transformative focus on sustainability — an approach that embraces building smarter, wiser, and cleaner.
The Phius design framework is inherently tailored to meet the climate-specific demands of Los Angeles. This intelligent design promotes not just environmental stewardship but also enhances the quality of life for its residents. “The house has a constant temperature,” Kyle noted, highlighting the energy-modeling software that informed their decisions throughout the build process. This ensures comfort and efficiency, addressing the unique challenges of the region’s hot climate.
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Mary emphasized, “Yes, it’s for the Earth, but it’s also for you,” underscoring how the home’s sustainable construction enhances quality of life from day one. The warm ambiance created by long-lasting, beautifully aging golden balau wood permeating the entryway and living spaces offers a comforting embrace, likened by guests to a “warm hug.” Ample natural light paired with desert oak cabinetry strengthens the home’s connection to the outdoors, fostering a calming atmosphere.
Moreover, the state-of-the-art European door and window systems are pivotal in establishing an airtight seal, which shields residents from the external clamor of Los Angeles. This feature not only enhances comfort by minimizing noise pollution but also enables the home to effectively counteract impacts from worsening smog and smoke, particularly during extreme weather events like wildfires.
Saint Clair is further equipped with a 24/7 energy-efficient HRV (heat recovery ventilation) system, powered entirely by clean energy generated from rooftop solar panels. This setup not only ensures optimal air quality but also stands in stark contrast to the concerning air pollution levels reported by the American Lung Association. Their data reflects that L.A. County often suffers from unhealthy air quality, emphasizing the necessity of high-efficiency standards in construction.
As Mary pointed out, “The building’s airtightness does not equate to claustrophobia.” Openings such as two expansive glass doors measuring 16 to 18 feet create seamless transitions to an outdoor entertainment space featuring a barbecue area, fireplace, pool, and jacuzzi. This design not only significantly expands the usable living space but also encourages harmonious interactions between indoor and outdoor environments.
Her reassurance continues with, “On a good day, go ahead and open those doors and windows and let everything flow. Just know that when you close it, your air is being completely purified again.” The couple believes that sustainable design doesn’t necessitate a sacrifice in comfort or aesthetics. Instead, it is a testament to a lifestyle that nourishes both personal well-being and the planet.
Mary and Kyle strive to debunk the misconception that sustainable living requires compromises, illustrating that their environmentally conscious choices actually yield greater rewards. “It’s not just about saving heating energy; it encompasses a multitude of quality elements,” White elaborated, emphasizing the diverse benefits available to all climates, not just those traditionally associated with colder regions.
Kyle succinctly encapsulated their mission: “It’s hard to quantify the quality of the indoor environment. You have to feel it.” He invites others to experience the unique blend of sustainability and luxury that defines Saint Clair, showcasing the enriching lifestyle it offers. This home stands as a testament to the potential of modern design to harmonize with nature while ensuring comfort, health, and inimitable style.
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