740 VISTA GRANDE AVENUE LOS ALTOS CALIFORNIA
Bea Sines
Realtor . Certified Residential Specialist
Alain Pinel Realtor. Los Altos. CA  94022   650.209.1578 Direct   650.743.5198 Mobile
www.beasines.com     email  bsines@apr.com   virtual tour  www.740VistaGrandeAvenue.epropertysites.com
 
Imaginative & Innovative

Occasionally, in the home construction, a project comes along illustrating a unique combination of imaginative design, innovative technology and thoughtful consideration for the future. Credit should be given to the owners for considering and committing to this ahead-of-its-time concept. The understated elegance of the exterior profile hide the dramatic architectural details within the structure. The brilliant design executed to perfection in creating this residential masterpiece reflects the close collaboration between the owners, the architect, the design team and the contractors.  

The design had to meet two primary objectives:
1. to design a custom high-end home with luxurious amenities and ample space while at the same time maintaining a low carbon footprint profile. 
2. to have all the living spaces (living/dining area, kitchen/family room, foyer, laundry), along with the master wing, library and guest suite on a single level with consideration for additional bedroom requirements for larger families.

The site had to meet two requirements:
1. to incorporate a good-sized pool in the backyard along with the detached garage.
2. to orientation of the rear portion of the home (family room, master, open hall) to a southern exposure for passive solar benefits.

The project had to incorporate:
1. Green technology & materials, such as straw bale for insulation.

The owner said in 1998, "We are interested in creating a home with payback in terms of energy efficiency." The additional construction cost to accommodate the straw bale construction, over traditional construction, was an ecological investment not just for personal benefits but for all future owners of the home to enjoy.