Inhabitat

The Architectural Foundation of Los Angeles recently announced the winners of the Design Green awards at a recent ceremony hosted by the AIA/LA to recognize outstanding work built or conceived by Los Angeles architects. Citation, Merit, and Honor Awards were given to six projects that ranged in size from residential to corporate, non-profit to civic and educational, with Honor being the highest award. From the diversity of the projects, it’s clear to see that California architects do more than just design green. With each year and innovation, they elevate green, exceeding our expectations of what a green project should be.

The Hollenbeck Replacement Police Station with its staccato facade earned a citation award. Designed by AC Martin, a three generation Los Angeles architectural firm that has been at the center of the city’s commercial and cultural development for almost a century, the replacement station offers transparency and honors the community’s longstanding tradition of artistic expression. It’s also extremely efficient, achieving a LEED-NC Gold certification from the USGBC.

Marmol Radziner’s prefabricated Hollywood Hybrid also received a citation award for being a solidly executed, modular solution to designing an eco-friendly home. The Hollywood Hybrid is LEED certified.

Earning merit awards were three very different projects that spanned civic, non-profit, and educational sectors. The Woodcrest Library by HMC Architects was honored for its Alvar Alto-esque lines that all the while maintain the highest levels of efficiency.

The Surfrider Foundation’s smart make-over by LPA, Inc. earned high marks for demonstrating how sustainable materials and construction techniques can combine to make the ordinary quite extraordinary.  At home in a new LEED Gold certified building, the Surfrider Foundation not only preserves and protects the oceans of the world, but also exhibits leadership in green building through their new HQ.

Taking top honors was Belzberg Architects for their own distinctive 20th Street Offices, now a LEED-NC Gold rated project in Santa Monica, California. Taking a “lead by example” stance, the firm uses their building as a testing ground to show clients and visitors the possibilities of building green. Diamond patterned sheet metal panels clad the structure and an array of solar panels sit atop the envelope. The west facing facade is made from solar glass. Inside, low-flow plumbing and a host of other eco-finishes help make this creative working studio one of the most efficient in the city.

And finally, Los Angeles Harbor College’s Northeast Academic Hall by Steinberg Architects was recognized as the new campus centerpiece with its distinctive solar shade fins and remarkable use of daylighting.

+ Architectural Foundation of Los Angeles