It's Hip to be Warm

Keeping warm this winter is important to keep you and your family healthy and happy. Most conventional means of heating homes are ultimately through the burning of fossil fuels or wood, but heat doesn’t just come from turning up the thermostat or throwing a log on the fire any more. The cold of winter is just beginning and it’s not too late to invest in an eco-friendly and chic alternative to conventional heat. Check out an eco-fireplace to keep you warm and stylish for this and winters to come. Try the Zeta EcoSmart Fire brings us their award winning Zeta model. This stylish fireplace is made up of timber, leather, and stainless steel, with glass screens on either side of the fire. The Zeta, which is located on a secure swivel stainless steel base, acts almost as a space heater, portable and able to heat the area around it. It is available in four different exterior colors: Nero, Ranch Hide, Latte, and Ciocolatta. The flames for this chic fireplace are fueled by denatured ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Or Maybe the Fire Ribbon Another company, Spark Fires, created a beautiful fireplace known as the Fire Ribbon. This “versatile installation” fireplace does not require any ventilation, so can be installed in your home with ease. This fireplace is over 95% efficient and can run on either natural gas or propane. This stylish fireplace will be a welcome addition to any home this winter. Bringing the Heat with the Igloo If the Zeta and Fire Ribbon are too conventional for you, you will love the Igloo made by EcoSmart. The fireplace consists of a stainless steel bench with flames, suspended by glass. The Igloo is a visual and a practical gem, with flames that reflect off the glass to create a beautiful dancing effect. The Igloo, also running on denatured ethanol, is truly an eco-conscious luxury and a fashion forward way to heat your home. So when it comes to keeping warm this winter, invest in an environmentally friendly fireplace that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for function. Image Credit: EcoSmart, Inhabit.com

TLofts: Sustainable Urban Living in West LA

Upscale sustainable housing options are popping up across the nation.  We explored the Riverhouse in NYC - luxury condos fit for eco celebs.  On the west coast, TLofts are celebrating sustainable living with spacious, eco-minded townhomes - centrally located and designed to minimize your environmental impact.

A joint project by premier development company, Lee Homes, and investor, City View, TLofts celebrated their grand opening this past Saturday with an urban block party and are now available for purchase.  The micro-community setting offers luxurious urban spaces in 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options with an assortment of onsite amenities and a convenient location for shopping, dining, and recreation.

The Lofts

The 4-story contemporary buildings house one and two-story lofts and townhomes, available in 6 unique and spacious floorplans.  Most units feature natural concrete and acoustic cork flooring for maximum privacy and comfort, large walk-in closets, and are prewired for all your electronic networking needs.  

Choose from:

• One bedroom/1 bath flats, averaging 1000 square-feet;
• Two-story 1 bedroom/3 bath townhome with over 2000 square-feet, featuring spacious den and office space;
• Two bedroom/2.5 baths housed in a 2-story townhome design with 1400 square feet;
• An 1800 square-foot 3 bed/3 bath option;
• Or the 1600 square-foot 2 bedroom plus option, featuring a bonus room ideal for a 3rd bedroom, den, or office.

TLofts also offers six work/live space residences - a two story layout featuring expansive office space on the lower level and spacious personal living space above.  

Sustainability

The TLofts community was created on previously developed space, reusing the existing structures and relocating unneeded dirt and concrete to minimize the need for new materials.  Framing construction is factory built rather than onsite and reflective roofing material achieves greater energy efficiency within the units.

Inside, you'll find low VOC paints and natural materials, recirculating HVAC systems, dual-flush toilets and thermostatic showers, Energy-Star appliances and lighting, and low-e glazed windows.  From the landscaping to the construction, every effort has been made to make TLofts as environmentally-friendly as possible - earning the community the California Green Builder accreditation.  

Amenities and Features

TLofts are designed for active, social, and sustainable lifestyles.  Each residence includes 2 parking spaces within the secure community garage.  The garage also features 18 electric vehicle charging stations and abundant bicycle storage.  Guest parking is also available within the covered garage.

Access to the buildings are convenient and secure, with a private lobby and elevator for convenience.  All residents can enjoy the community conference room and exercise facilities or may head outdoors to enjoy the landscaped courtyard, complete with a barbecue area and outdoor spa.

Each unit boasts an eco-friendly Smart Kitchen with an intriguing u-shaped design.  In addition to elegant Italian cabinetry and CaesarStone countertops, the kitchens include spacious slide-out pantries, out-of-site recycling and trash receptacles, and breakfast bars designed to seat 4.  Five-burner gas ranges and Energy-Star microwaves, dishwashers, and refrigerators are also available with each residence to complete the ultimate gourmet cooking experience.

Ready to Buy?

Spacious, convenient, and sustainable TLofts have just been placed on the market, starting at $415,000.  If you're ready to enjoy an eco-urban lifestyle in sunny West LA or would like more information on the residences available, the TLofts sales center is open daily and appointments can be made by calling 310-477-7733.

Images via TLofts