Those opaque windows combined with the concrete 'fins' on the side of the building act as a heat barrier and reduce cooling costs dramatically. I just don't know if the savings are worth the mockery for living in a chunk of Swiss cheese, even if it's a pretty chunk of Swiss cheese. [WAN]
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On one hand the City of San Francisco has declared this building to be an official landmark, which is pretty darn cool. And it’s huge and — if we consider this is in San Francisco, where $750,000 gets you this — it’s cheap and the Rolling Stones went to parties there back when they were interesting . But… well, poking around the Interweb reveals at least three porn movies were filmed in this house. I was all set to show you some screenshots proving this, but tell me: do you want to spend the afternoon researching 1970s porn?
You do?
Great! Okay! “User submitted,” that’s our slogan! So, lock your office door, put your phone on mute, and see if you can find John Holmes’ The Swizzle Stick. Also Tea Time (tea time?!?), and The Vixen. Have fun!
Found By: Teri
Don’t like the location? No problem! The house is easily disassembled using common household tools, and then snaps back together for easy moving to the lot of your choice!
Found By: Deborah K
Evolver is a fun little piece of architecture with an incredible 720º panoramic view of Zermatt, Switzerland. The structure was built by second year students of the ALICE Studio at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
"A continuous opening follows and turns around a 720 degrees circulation, offering the user a evolving perception of the usual Zermatt area..."
How'd they construct it? Watch the video below for the fast-forward idea, scroll down for additional images. To view the complete gallery of construction images, click through. ...more
Related:
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If you're not looking for a hotel experience and would settle for some temporary local shelter for a lot less than you'd pay for a hotel suite, Vacation Rentals By Owner indexes thousands of rentals around the world. You can find cottages, condos, and second homes in locations from rustic to urban settings. Prices range from $400 a week for a tiny rustic cottage on Lake Michigan to $4000 a month and up for amenity-laden houses on the Pacific coast. Most of the locations sleep anywhere from 4-20 people, making the cost of rental astoundingly low for a family or group of friends. Why stay in a dive hotel when you can be renting a full-out house with a lake view?
Visit the link below to see listings in the US and around the world. If you have a trick or resource of scoring cheap vacation accommodations, let's hear about it in the comments.
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After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward will never be the same again – and Brad Pitt is determined to make that a good thing. The actor’s Make it Right Foundation is in the process of building 150 affordable, green, storm-resistant homes designed by 21 star architects including Pugh & Scarpa, Adjaye Architects, MVRDV and Kieran Timberlake.
This charitable foundation is dedicated to creating a better, stronger community in the Lower 9th Ward, which was devastated by the 2005 hurricane. Participating architects were asked to create homes that are not only able to stand up to future storms, but are also non-toxic, earth-friendly, aesthetically advanced and in keeping with traditional New Orleans typologies, like the “shotgun” single-family home.
Adjaye Architects designed this single-family home to include an inverted pitched roof canopy that serves as both a solar and water collector and creates a shaded rooftop terrace. The reinforced structure has casement windows with hurricane impact glass, silkscreened cement board exterior panels and red cedar decking.
The MVRDV ‘bent house’ concept is an adapted shotgun house. The architects explain, “Bending the shot gun house up in two directions creates a carport at front and a shadow garden at the rear. The centre of the house contains the kitchen & bath- it is the lowest level. Stairs lead to a living room on the one side, and bedrooms on the other. The bedrooms and living room are above floodwater level. This means that escape would be possible to both the front porch and the rear porch.”
Architects Pugh & Scarpa have envisioned both single family homes and duplexes that emphasize shared community space, inspired by American patchwork quilting traditions with abstract geometric styles. In the single-family home, recycled wooden shipping pallets envelope the building to provide shade and texture. The duplex is characterized by an oversized front porch with a cooking pit that acts as a neighborhood hearth, encouraging interaction and community.
Kieran Timberlake’s design strives toward a mass customizable prototype that will eventually be prefabs assembled off-site locally with a range of options for interior layout, aesthetics and environmental systems. Both the ‘Garden’ prototype, which has a roof deck, sunscreens and mesh trellis, and the ‘Gable’ prototype with its covered rooftop area can be made from the same chassis.
Billboards, fire towers, pig barns and factories are converted into stunning modern homes that preserve the history of the original structures.
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Santa Monica inventory rebounded from September with new listings, and is above a year ago. Pacific Palisades is down for the month and year. Palms-Mar Vista is flat for the month but down for the year, not surprising after the low-end buying frenzy. Westside total is down a little for the month and year. Charts to follow.
LA County Santa Monica Pacific Palisades Mar Vista
<$3M New Tot DOM<$2M New Tot DOM Tot New DOM
- -------- ------ -------------- -------------- ----------
J 1/30/06 27,732
F 2/28/06 29,420
M 3/31/06 31,819
A 5/ 1/06 34,032 38 33
M 6/ 2/06 37,847 56 36 38
J 6/30/06 42,317 66 40 49
J 8/ 4/06 45,315 70 34 50
A 9/ 1/06 46,781 71 27 59
S 10/ 6/06 47,369 83 25 98 71
O 11/ 3/06 45,780 80 20 91 77
N 12/ 1/06 43,103 65 18 72 96 39 20
D 1/ 5/07 35,646 54 4 60 117 33 6 71 66
- -------- ------ -------------- -------------- ----------
J 2/ 2/07 36,715 38 15 45 124 29 16 61 71 70
F 3/ 2/07 41,251 42 14 51 114 26 10 68 79 55 25 76
M 4/ 6/07 42,857 41 23 49 107 18 8 73 103 54 52 50
A 5/ 4/07 45,918 46 28 54 92 19 6 82 79 71 37 52
M 6/ 1/07 52,198 50 25 61 78 17 15 87 78 77 39 53
J 6/30/07 52,769 42 18 56 81 17 11 92 77 74 33 61
J 8/ 3/07 54,166 53 28 68 86 23 12 78 76 84 39 68
A 8/31/07 57,432 57 21 72 98 18 7 69 75 90 40 79
S 9/28/07 58,973 59 17 74 103 26 9 90 81 87 20 87
O 11/ 2/07 58,731 62 19 81 120 29 7 106 77 98 35 88
N 11/30/07 59,108 52 14 67 136 23 11 88 94 96 23 96
D 12/31/07 53,475 42 5 53 148 19 2 73 119 79 13 116
- -------- ------ -------------- -------------- ----------
J 2/ 1/08 53,722 54 16 67 157 26 16 101 118 89 36 96
F 2/29/08 53,520 50 10 68 178 29 8 108 108 88 21 103
M 3/28/08 53,566 57 17 81 171 32 14 122 92 82 22 105
A 5/ 2/08 54,098 59 14 83 159 35 7 136 93 90 33 96
M 5/30/08 53,216 56 23 79 147 34 9 142 106 91 29 89
J 6/27/08 53,058 74 28 98 131 30 6 129 107 96 26 95
J 8/ 2/08 51,906 66 14 89 125 34 8 120 136 99 35 101
A 8/29/08 50,124 62 9 79 122 29 5 108 156 91 25 104
S 10/ 3/08 48,113 58 14 82 145 41 15 128 132 84 24 109
O 10/31/08 47,017 64 22 90 131 55 18 159 126 83 21 103
N 11/28/08 45,216 64 12 91 141 54 7 151 124 73 9 130
D 12/31/08 40,810 52 3 80 171 47 5 130 134 63 10 144
- -------- ------ -------------- -------------- ----------
J 1/30/09 38,486 67 16 94 181 59 15 157 145 66 15 157
F 2/27/09 37,647 73 14 98 164 73 17 181 148 75 19 131
M 4/ 3/09 84 25 108 155 73 11 187 150 74 24 128
A 5/ 1/09 89 23 115 163 72 11 188 155 73 22 127
M 5/29/09 80 15 107 175 67 14 176 142 70 28 117
J 7/ 3/09 85 21 110 142 63 16 167 164 75 19 157
J 7/31/09 83 20 105 163 62 8 164 171 71 22 152
A 8/28/09 73 14 94 204 64 11 164 170 74 21 145
S 10/ 2/09 68 21 81 194 56 6 161 176 61 20 127
O 10/30/09 72 18 84 215 47 8 145 201 61 21 166
All Westside 1/30 4/3 5/29 7/31 10/2 11/27
2/27 5/1 7/3 8/28 10/30 12/31
Bel Air-Holmby H. 101 106 120 137 147 152 160 150 136 123
Beverly Ctr.-M.M. 58 65 78 83 72 58 73 78 73 72
Beverly Hills 109 123 134 114 107 120 135 127 112 124
B.Hills P.O. 127 147 162 153 152 159 160 160 154 162
Beverlywood Vic. 47 54 62 60 48 42 51 45 51 45
Brentwood 146 162 157 167 155 155 146 128 136 126
Cheviot-R.Park '8' 31 38 33 39 31 31 39 33 32 23
Culver City 52 44 36 33 34 41 39 26 27 36
Malibu 254 267 288 290 281 280 274 263 260 265
Malibu Beach 63 70 70 70 69 65 62 67 70 76
Marina Del Rey 32 32 28 34 34 35 30 25 25 24
Pacific Palisades 157 181 187 188 176 167 164 164 161 145
Palms-Mar Vista 66 75 74 73 70 75 71 74 61 61
Playa Del Rey 24 24 20 21 27 22 22 19 24 21
Playa Vista 6 6 5 3 5 4 5 6 9 8
Santa Monica 94 98 108 115 107 110 105 94 81 84
Sunset-Hwd.Hills 285 299 312 293 294 288 305 306 292 284
Topanga 70 73 71 73 77 75 83 77 76 65
Venice 104 121 119 115 111 102 110 101 83 78
W.Hollywood Vic. 61 58 50 56 51 48 50 58 56 51
West L.A. 20 30 32 25 23 17 22 27 21 24
Westchester 53 60 57 42 43 47 56 46 47 40
Westwood-Cent.City 67 72 78 78 82 67 71 59 47 42
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
2009 Total 2027 2281 2196 2233 2034
2205 2262 2160 2133 1979
2008 Total 1509 1694 1917 2019 2006 2128
1524 1846 1974 1942 2085 1822
2007 Total 1282 1274 1457 1522 1671 1600
1308 1377 1483 1551 1731 1329
Notes
See here for 2007 monthly totals. LA County inventory via OC Renter. Santa Monica Days on Market (DOM) is for <$3M, and omits Santa Monica Canyon (in City of Los Angeles but S.M. Post Office). Pacific Palisades DOM is for <$2M and count omits mobile homes. "New" is for previous month, or month-to-date for current partial month.
This week's tour heads to the trick-or-treating jackpot that is Los Feliz. These homes---all 2 or 3 bedrooms, between 1,000 square and 2,000 square feet--are priced from just under $700,000 to just over $1 million.
2225 Canyon Terrace
Price: $890,000
Original Listing Price: $979,000
Days on Market: 70
Beds/Bath: 2/2
Sq. Ft.: 1,914
Pitch: 'One-of-a-kind emotional Mediterranean gem combines authentic period detail with huge open spaces! The home is dominated by a light-drenched loft-like living area complete with huge windows, 20-ft cathedral ceilings, open staircase and dining balcony. Vintage details include hardwood floors, arched windows, iron work, sconces and leaded glass windows. Each level contains one bedroom and one bath, offering flexible living options. A huge deck and one-car garage rounds out this rare offering.'
Sunday, November 1, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
4027 Cumberland Avenue
Price: $695,000
Days on Market: 15
Bed/bath: 2/1
Sq. Ft.: 1,043
Pitch: "An enchanting 1913 cottage + guest house in the Franklin Hills with city views & a magical backyard! Living room features a stone fireplace, box beam ceiling, & hardwood floors. There is a newly remodeled kitchen with granite counter tops, wood cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. The backyard is a entertainers delight that includes a covered patio with a brick fireplace, a flat grassy area & rose garden, plus views out to the Observatory & the city! 2BD/1BA Cottage + 1BR/3/4 BA Gst Hse."
Sunday, November 1, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
2517 St. George St.
Price: $729,000
Days on Market: 28
Beds/Bath: 3/2
Sq. Ft.: 1,307
Pitch: 'This stylishly updated California Traditional is situated on a corner lot in the heart of Franklin Hills. Landscaped with drought tolerant plants. Slate tiled patio is perfect for outdoor entertaining.'
Sunday, November 1, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
2155 Mayview Drive
Price: $899,000
Days on Market: 9
Beds, Bath: 2/1.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,654
Pitch: "Located behind a pvt gate, a serene oasis awaits you at the top of Franklin Hills. Refined updts, vintg style, vus, & yd harmonize in this distinctive residence. Flagstn pto welcomes you w/ lush plantings & tranquil fountn. Spac 2+1.5 interiors abound w/ light & wndws to highlight vus to ocean. Other features incld: hw, fplc, frml din rm, eat-in kitch, alcove off liv rm, mud rm, conv gar/studio, frch drs, blt-in bkshlvs, a/c, & sec sys, Rear yd w/ pato, mature lndscp, veg grdn, & grassy area.."
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
3726 Effingham Pl
Price: $999,000
Days on Market: 78
Beds/Bath: 3/2
Sq. Ft.: 1,812
Pitch: "Los Feliz home nestled on a hillside that offers privacy and views of San Gabriel Mountains. Enter past the soothing sounds of the landscaped brook leading to the mahogany & stained glass entry. Large Living Room & Sun Room, Dining, Family Room and Eat-in Kitchen. A slate deck overlook the patio and beautifully landscaped gardens. Custom accents throughout. 2-Car garage, gated entry and more."
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
4349 Cedarhurst Circle
Price: $1.1 million
Days on Market: 4
Beds, Bath: 3/2.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,852
Pitch: 'In the heart of Los Feliz you will find this Zen Garden Retreat. From the moment you enter the property you know you are somewhere special. Allow the winding path to lead you across the Wooden Bridge; gentle steps encourage your descent along the stream guided by the sounds from the cascading waterfall. This light filled home has been tastefully designed keeping in touch with openness and flow making this the perfect Southern California Home.'
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
3455 Griffith Park Boulevard
Price: $1.175 million
Original Listing Price: $1.249 million
Days on Market: 121
Beds, Bath: 3/3.5
Sq. Ft.: 1,992
Pitch: "This stunning home offers 3 bedroom suites each w/ private bath + a charming add~l guest bath. Step down into the gorgeous LR w/ fireplace & stenciled beamed ceiling which opens to view terrace. Gourmet kitchen w/ Thermador cook top & Bosch ovens. Large formal DR w/ built-ins. Master suite offers private bath w/ double sinks & spa tub. Beautiful dark hardwood flrs & wonderful banister. Enjoy 6 lovely patios for outdoor dining & entertaining."
Sunday, November 1, 2009 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
