Quarter 1 | 2015

 

FEATURE STORY: BUILDING HEALTHIER HOMES

IN CALIFORNIA

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT: TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND

LEED CERTIFIED CUSTOM HOME

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECTS “UNDER CONSTRUCTION”

“SPRING” HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

AND MORE

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ABOUT US: Established in 1996 and headquartered in Warner Center, Structure Home builds and remodels fine custom homes throughout the Los Angeles basin. Our staff is a group of seasoned professionals with the expertise and systems necessary for the complete implementation of real estate development. We believe that the proper approach to our business, our clients and partners is a comprehensive involvement in the development process with the use of carefully detailed systems to achieve pre-established results.

Our approach to design begins with looking at a building, functionally and aesthetically, as a complete operating system intended to perform today and for generations to come. To accomplish this goal, the entire design consultant and construction team must work collaboratively…in a well-organized process. We call our design development process ‘Whole Lot Living”… the thoughtful consideration of the entire structure, as well as its relationship to the natural surroundings. At Structure Home, we believe that a carefully managed design/specification and construction process is the only way we can be responsible stewards of our client’s most valuable investment.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Feature Story: “Building Healthier Homes in California” By: Robert Kleiman, Structure 3 Recently Completed Projects 5 Highlighted Project: Traditional New England LEED Certified Custom Home 6 Current “Under Construction” Projects Including Special Project: The Enclave at Century Woods 10 Home Maintenance Quarterly Tips By: Alyssa Trebil, Structure 13

21101 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

P: (818) 598-1330, F: (818) 598-1340 www.StructureHome.com

Thank you to our Newsletter Sponsor:

© 2015

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT: TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND P6

“BUILDING HEALTHIER HOMES IN CALIFORNIA” P3 By: Robert Kleiman, Structure Home

UNDER CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS P10

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“Some of the major considerations in designing a healthy home include indoor air

quality, mold prevention, chemical sensitivity, water quality, dirty electricity,

natural lighting and ventilation.”

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“Building Healthier Homes in California” By: Robert Kleiman, Structure Home Meaningful change to old paradigms is necessary to preserve the health and well-being of our people and our planet. In the building industry, one can no longer approach the process with a narrow vision of design aesthetic without consideration to the broad environment the finished building will operate within. This shift is now enforced by formal codes in every city, without exception. Building compliance requirements are currently in effect, including the state "Cal Green" mandate, which requires the building industry to responsibly address sustainability directives in all structures, newly built or remodeled. The shift is both simple and complex. In simple terms, we must find balance between the natural environment and the built environment...considering a range of factors - including energy, durability, indoor air quality and the sustainability of available resources. In addition to physical beauty and lifestyle function, all of these components now define the quality of a new home. More complex is developing an understanding of and managing the construction of a built structure…it’s physical and biological properties, its relationship to the environment, its impact on people, the planet as well as its financial viability…all of which are interrelated and achievable objectives. California Building Standards Code, including the “Cal Green” requirements and Title 24 Energy Requirements, serve as the basis for the design and construction of more sustainable buildings in California. The building codes focus on life safety, sustainability, maintaining consistency, new technology, construction methods and durability. While these codes emphasize building more efficient homes, we are finding consumers are also attuning focus to designing “healthier homes.” A healthy home considers how to support both the physiological and biological attributes of the design as well as the materials used in the construction of a home with an emphasis on promoting more healthful lifestyle. Some of the major considerations in designing a healthy home include indoor air quality, mold prevention, chemical sensitivity, water quality, dirty electricity, natural lighting and ventilation. Working with clients, we can incorporate features like wiring systems that minimize electro-magnetic fields, mitigated chemical off gassing/exposure, practical and beautifully balanced natural and artificial lighting, as well as state of art air filtration and water purification systems. We are currently working with a number of healthy home consultants including Paula Baker-Laporte of EcoNest. Paula has lectured, taught and published extensively on the topic of healthy and ecological design. She is currently developing and teaching courses for the International Institute of Bau-biologie and Ecology and is the primary author of Prescriptions for a Healthy House, and a contributing author to several books.

continued on page 4

FEATURE STORY

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“Building Healthier Homes in California” Cont. According to Paula, “architectural and building practices can create either sick buildings or healthy buildings. The standard methods and materials of construction prevalent in this country today create dwellings that are harmful to our health, contribute to environmental pollution in almost every aspect of their manufacture, and are bankrupting the natural resources for future generations. In spite of the alarming rise of allergies, childhood asthma, and building-related illness ("sick building syndrome"), our standard building practices have not responded to these problems in any great measure. However, we can make conscious choices in building that will lead us to healthful solutions.*”

At Structure Home, we take our responsibility to our clients, neighbors and local community seriously. It is simply not enough to build a beautiful new home, it is also important to build it responsibly by using environmentally friendly products, resource efficient materials, and consciously working towards responsible environmental and healthful solutions. We strive to incorporate the fundamentals of building science, health science and green building to suit the changing needs of our clientele. At the same time, we work to ensure that we create designs that are sustainable and in harmony within our neighborhoods, communities and global environment. We have developed a free Green and Healthy Home Workbook as a resource to illustrate and clarify how applying Health Sciences and Green Building Practices can improve your home and the environment. You may download it here: http://bit.ly/1xgRTCP

* Paula Baker-Laporte, EcoNest: http://www.econesthomes.com/natural-building-resources/articles/

FEATURE STORY CONT.

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1st Century Bank is a premium service business bank focused on providing small, community bank relationships with big bank technologies and services. 1st Century Bank provides expertise and creative solutions for your construction project, with dedicated relationship managers ready to assist you build your vision step by step - from budgeting to permanent financing. For more information, contact David Comfort at 310.270.9517, or dcomfort@1cbank.com.

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BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional Cape Cod Custom Home 5,382 square foot two-story home

including a 1,191 square foot basement

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

Custom Home

5,019 square foot two-story home on a corner lot

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

Traditional New England Custom Home 4,121 square foot two-story home

HIDDEN HILLS, CA

Traditional Manor Custom Estate 7,774 square foot two-story home on an acre lot.

BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional New England LEED Certified 6,244 square foot two-story custom home

including 1,189 square foot basement

BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional Coastal LEED Certified

5,252 square foot two-story custom home on a 10,127 square foot lot

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS

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Photography by: Latham Architectural

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT: TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND

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Status: Project Completed and USGBC LEED Certified 2015 Architectural Character: Traditional New England 6,244 square foot two-story custom home including 1,189 square foot basement in Brentwood, CA. Architecture by: P2 Design Interior Design: Jill Wolff Interior Design

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HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT: TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND

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Open floor plan blending the inside and outside of daily life - eating, cooking, relaxing and family time together.

French doors open into the

outdoor living room over-looking the pool and spa.

Pocket doors allow for

Great Room or Kitchen privacy when needed.

This home is 26.3% above

the Title 24 requirements

State-of-the-art wine cellar room with 2,004 bottle capacity including custom wine barrel shelving.

Equipped with a cooling unit to maintain the most efficient temperatures for aging wines.

Pea gravel flooring enhanc-ing character and ensuring protection, should a bottle fall.

High tech thumb print security system.

Spacious Master Bedroom flourished with warm custom décor enhancing the room from wood flooring to the custom panel moulding on the ceiling.

French doors off the

Master Bedroom lead to the expansive patio overlooking the backyard and cityscapes.

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HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT: TRADITIONAL NEW ENGLAND USGBC LEED CERTIFIED

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SANTA MONICA, CA

Traditional Custom Home 6,200 square foot two-story

including a 2,000 square foot basement

“under construction” tour 4/18/15 If you would like to attend, email: alyssa@structurehome.com

CHEVIOT HILLS

Traditional Custom Home 5,200 square foot two-story

BRENTWOOD, CA

Single Family Residence 4,926 square foot two-story

BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional Cape Cod Custom Home 6,686 square foot two-story

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

Traditional Custom Home

4,023 square foot two-story

SANTA MONICA, CA

Custom Home 4,903 square foot two-story

including a 1,682 square foot basement

No Photo Available

CURRENT PROJECTS

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BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional Custom Home 6,000 square foot two-story

including a 2,000 square foot basement

PACIFIC PALISADES

East Coast Traditional Custom Home 8,000+ square foot two-story

BRENTWOOD, CA

Single Family Residence

BRENTWOOD, CA

Single Family Residence

BRENTWOOD, CA

Single Family Residence

BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional Architecture Single Family Residence

CURRENT PROJECTS

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No Photo Currently Available

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The Enclave at Century Woods An Oasis of Mediterranean Elegance in the Heart of Century City

CW Enclave, LLC acquired an undeveloped 70,000 square-foot lot at the corner of Century Park West and Solar Way.

The Enclave is an upscale community consisting of 10 individually designed Spanish revival villas from approximately 5,700 to over 6,500 square feet. The development is a cluster of courtyard homes located within the established Century Woods development, a guard gated residential community in the heart of Century City. At the core of each home, private courtyards framed by French doors lead to spacious living, dining and family rooms. These outdoor areas feature authentic tile pavers, landscaped gardens, fireplaces, and water fountains that create a tranquil ambiance for entertaining guests or a relaxing indoor/outdoor lifestyle. The new homes will benefit from the same amenities currently available to the residents of Century Woods including: secure entry, tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and a clubhouse.

The team: Owner/Developer: CW Enclave, LLC Lender: City National Bank Contractor: Structure Home Architect: P2 Design Engineer: John Labib and Assoc. Interior Designer: Hub of the House Landscape Architect: Rios Clementi Hale Studios

Broker: Sally Forster Jones (310) 281.3999 Project Website: theenclavecenturywoods.com

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CURRENT PROJECTS CONT. (SPECIAL PROJECT)

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HOME MAINTENANCE QUARTERLY TIPS

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10 Home Maintenance Upkeep Tips for “Spring” By: Alyssa Trebil, Structure Home It is time to tie your Spring Home Maintenance upkeep into your Spring Cleaning plan! First, locate your home warranty manual that came with your home. The home warranty manual should have the best recommendations for your home’s ongoing upkeep maintenance, cleaning instructions and other useful information. If you have an annual home warranty plan, you should review your plan’s coverage and reach out to the warranty repair companies. If not, research good licensed repair companies and write their contact information down on a list so you have it for next year. Here are 10 maintenance tips to get your “Spring” home maintenance upkeep checklist started:

1. Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) Have your HVAC system cleaned and serviced. This should include changing out all the air filters inside your home. Air filters usually have manufacturer’s directions on how often and how to change them. If they do not, take a look at how dirty they are and if you are still not sure, a general recommendation is to change them out every three months if you are using your HVAC every day. Some air filters can be hosed off or wiped down. Be sure to figure out what kind of filters are recommended for the best results for your HVAC system. You can always take one of the filters out of your home and over to your local hardware store and inquire.

2. Windows Take some time and do a thorough washing of every window inside and outside of your home. Do not forget to include skylights and/or specialty windows/doors. You may need to hire a window washer. 3. Doors Be sure to look at cracks and weather stripping around doors and windows that go to the

exterior. You do not want spring critters coming into your home. Be sure to caulk and seal cracks you find. Also, weather stripping around doorways and windows can deteriorate over time. Each window and door’s weather stripping should be inspected at least once a year. It usually can be replaced with self-adhesive foam tape, rubber or vinyl stripping, or spring-metal V-shaped stripping. Research what would be best for your home and door/window.

4. Exterior Paint Walk the outside of your home and take a look at the exterior paint. Do you remember when the

last time was that the exterior of your home was painted? Maybe it is time for a fresh coat of exterior paint!

5. Fireplaces and Chimneys Check your Fireplaces and Chimneys. Take some time to have the flue cleaned and inspected.

Also, take a look at the exteriors of your chimneys to make sure there is no exterior chimney damage.

6. Gutters Inspect your rain gutters. The winter season is coming to an end, it is time to clean and

examine the rain gutters on your home. 7. Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It may be time to replace the batteries. 8. Clean Pantry

This is a good time of the year to go through your kitchen pantry. Take all of the items in your pantry out and review the expiration dates. Once you finish, wipe or wash down your shelves and put everything back neatly.

9. Fix-a-Leak March is the month the US Environmental Protection Agency has chosen to focus on

consumers fixing a leak in their home. Also, be sure to check your water heater connections are in good shape; no leaks. Take some time to inspect your entire home for leaks, now would be the best time to have any repaired/serviced.

10. Light Fixtures and Fan Blades Light fixtures and fan blades collect a lot of dust. Spring is a good time to use a vacuum with an

attachment and clean them! It is time to make sure all your light bulbs are in good working order. It may be time to replace some.

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our preferred partners:

www.structurehome.com/directory.htm

Structure Home 21101 Oxnard Street

Woodland Hills, CA 91367 P: (818) 598-1330 F: (818) 598-1340

www.StructureHome.com

© 2015

Structure Home offers a referral incentive program that is designed to encourage, recognize and thank those clients who introduce Structure Home to friends, family and acquaintances. In the program, Structure Home will gift $2,500 to those who make a referral that results in a new client and will provide an additional $2,500 upgrade credit to the new clients who've been referred. In this way, all of our clients, past and new, share our appreciation for their loyalty and support. Email: alyssa@structurehome.com to find out more.