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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

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

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Saturday, August 8, 2009

Luxury Condo + Green Technology + NY = Riverhouse

A geothermal system heats and cools the building. High-efficiency hot water heaters. An onsite escape called the Treehouse Getaway. Situated in Battery Park City, the 264-unit condominium called the Riverhouse offers an array of cutting edge amenities and green technology features. You certainly won't be disappointed if you've chosen this luxury condo as your green sanctuary. Just ask celebrities, like Leonardo Di Caprio, who have already claimed a sustainable space to call their own. From very start of the building process to the extravagant amenities afforded to residents, the Riverhouse certainly makes it much harder to leave the comforts of your home. Just some of the features of the Riverhouse to consider when shopping for a luxury condo in the New York City region, include: Eco-Friendly Building Process: Built from non-pollutant materials and relying on solar-powered energy, the Riverhouse also supported local products to decrease fuel consumption. Photovoltaic Cells: Following the Sun's path as it travels across the sky, photovoltaic cells supply electricity to the elevators and utilities of the Riverhouse. Water Recycling: Separate plumbing lines makes the most out of the condo's water use. "Gray water" (from baths, showers and kitchens) is reused in the gardens. "Black water" is treated and then recycled. Triple-Pane Window System: An all-weather dream, the space between the innermost and middle panes provides vented cool air circulation during warm days. To prepare for a winter in New York, the vent closes and the space between the panes serve as an additional thermal barrier against cold air. Putting Greenery to Good Use: Plants decorate the roof of the condominium, in an effort to naturally reduce the temperature of the building and place less stress on the city's sewer system by capturing rainwater and putting it to good use. Hanging Out: The Billiards Room allows friendly games between residents to take place. Shoot a little 8-Ball or challenge your neighbor to a chess match – all while surrounded by gorgeous, spacious views. Indoor 50' Lap Pool: Enjoy less-irritating waters. With ultraviolet light killing bacteria, the Riverhouse has reduced its need to use harsh chemicals, like chlorine. 5 Things to Do at the Riverhouse The Riverhouse makes it convenient for busy, on-the-go New Yorkers to find time to accomplish a range of activities without ever having to travel across town or step outside the coziness of their residence.
  • Check your email at the media café
  • Sculpt rock-hard abs at the fitness center
  • Center yourself at the yoga studio
  • Pamper resident pooches at the dog spa
  • Let the kids burn off excess energy at the children's playroom
Average Price: One-bedroom ($835,000) Five-bedroom ($8 million) Image Credits: The Riverhouse

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