Structure Home Newsletter - Quarter 2, 2013

Quarter 2 | 2013

Building custom homes in Los Angeles since 1996.

Feature Story:

Economy Stepping into Recovery

Highlighted Project:

Encino Home

2013 Green Trends

Current Projects

And more

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ABOUT US: Structure Home has been building fine custom homes since 1996. Headquartered in Warner Center, Structure Home builds in areas throughout the Los Angeles basin. Our approach to design begins with looking at a building as a complete operating system, the products and technology it contains and how it will perform over time. To accomplish this objective the entire design and construction team must work collaboratively, in a well-organized process. We call this approach ‘Whole Lot Living” and we believe that the thoughtful consideration of the entire structure, as well as its’ relationship to the natural environment, is the only way we can be responsible stewards of our client’s most valuable asset.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Stepping into Recovery ...With a Budget! 3 Client Feedback 4 Recently Completed Projects 5 Up on the Design Board Top Green Design Trends for 2013 6 Highlighted Project Contemporary Home in Encino 8 Current “Under Construction” Projects 12 Structure News Media News 14 Stop Cancer: Team Emma 5K/10K 15

21101 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 P: (818) 598-1330, F: (818) 598-1340

www.StructureHome.com © 2013

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Stepping Into Recovery...With a Budget! by: Robert Kleiman and Mark Sapiro, Structure Home

The signs of recovery seem to be in full bloom and are a welcome respite from the storm of the recession…perhaps even depression within the real estate industry. Positive reports of 1) existing/new housing sales and construction permits on the rise nationwide, 2) unemployment rates trending downward, 3) the availability of low cost financing and 4) the strength of the equity/stock markets are but a few of the factors fueling growth and a renewal of consumer confidence. According to real estate industry expert, Paul Shapiro of PSR Research, “In my research efforts regionally, there is clear evidence of a strong recovery underway, led by historically high affordability levels, demand/supply imbalances, an improving jobs picture, the relative attractiveness of owning versus renting, foreign investment and upgraded consumer confidence among other factors.” This is a very good report from our perspective!

Within the local real estate economy, in addition to record low inventory levels being met by pent-up demand and price appreciation, there is significant new activity in the construction/remodel of existing homes for families choosing to “re-build in place”. The re-build activity is influenced by both 1) the improved economic environment and 2) the lack of supply, either of homes or teardown properties through-out the Los Angeles and Valley basins. Several clients we have spoken to over the past years are moving forward with development plans, after frustrated searches for homes and lots in the local markets.

Structure is currently preparing/evaluating budgets for several new homes/land acquisitions as well as for clients moving forward with plans to improve their existing homes or “re-build in place”. In this time of recovery, budgetary discipline is a high priority. In response to this, the Structure Home “Journey Outline” process develops the initial project budget prior to the design process...a tool to evaluate and prioritize cost centers…to build an accurate budget within the target established by the client. This budget informs and guides the design consultants and the plan development for the home and site improvements. At the completion of initial schematic design, the budget is further refined and verified…again to assure adherence with the clients’ financial goals. Finally, once construction documents are completed, the bidding phase results in a final budget that is not only consistent with our clients’ goals but also one that has been fully vetted over a six-month collaborative design effort. This methodical approach to budget and design development provides Structure clients with budget certainty and confidence.

The improved economy is alive, vibrant and well again…and budgetary discipline, management and control are more important than ever before! Historically, economic recoveries take time, patience and prudent business practices…all of which are a priority of our client relationships and valuable qualities of a positive and successful custom home project.

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At Ferguson, find a tremendous selection of recognized plumbing, lighting and appliance brands, like Thermador. Visit our showroom and see all that Thermador has to offer, as well as our beautiful selection of home lighting. Mention this ad and receive 10% off lighting products. *Offer valid at Ferguson's Woodland Hills showroom, 6416 Variel Avenue. Does not apply to Murray Feiss products.

Karen and I revel in how privileged we are to live in a home that we see as a work of art. The house and the environment that we share daily is a direct result of the care, attention, expertise, and devotion of very talented people all working seamlessly together with Structure Home. Mark, Robert, Brian Russell and the Structure home staff made the remodel process a truly comfortable experience. As a developer and building of high-rise office buildings for fifty years, I understand how important it is to recognize the talent and creativity of the people working to produce a piece of art as special as our home. The various specialists that brought their products, talents and quality of workmanship to this project exemplify how special Structure Home is. Placing my handmade Structure logo on the house is a testament to how much respect I have for the whole process of creating our home and as an artist I know how important it is to sign and acknowledge your work. Well done Structure and the house will bear the signature (logo) of those responsible.

- Mike and Karen Gilbert

Client Feedback

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BRENTWOOD, CA

Artistic Contemporary Style Custom Home

Pending USGBC LEED Silver 5,351 square foot two-story home with 1,200 square foot basement

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

East Coast Traditional Style Custom Home with

Contemporary Interior Accents 4,877 square foot two-story home

CHEVIOT HILLS, CA

California Contemporary Style Custom Home

3,476 square foot two-story home

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

Traditional Americana Style Custom Home with touches of Craftsman

3,375 square foot two-story home on a corner lot

WESTWOOD, CA

Traditional Style Custom Home 6,158 square foot two-story home

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The Top “GREEN” Design Trends For 2013 By: Jill Wolff Interior Design 1. Building: The top trend in “green design” is building a green home certified

by the USGBC as an L.E.E.D. certified home. In markets across the country LEED certified homes sell for a higher premium and spend less time for sale on the market. High performance luxury homeowners are learning to expect the LEED level of performance from their design-build team and increasingly will not settle for anything less.

2. Countertops: Granite has been dethroned. The new king of countertops is quartz composite. Many companies have incorporated recycled materials into the composite and manufacturers such as Caesarstone manufacture their product with the most up to date energy and water c o n s e r v a t i o n p o s s i b l e , r e a d m o r e a t http://www.caesarstoneus.com/about/environment-first/

3. Paint: We are all familiar with that “fresh paint smell”…..well, that odor is

quite toxic. Benjamin Moore paints, which is standard in all Jill Wolff Interior Design and Structure Homes, delivers the widest range of beautiful colors, while delivering a product with extremely low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds-the compound that delivers the smell and affects our indoor air quality). There is no reason to compromise beauty for good clean air in your home. BTW, emerald green is the new orange and charcoal grey is the new black.

4. Hardwood Floors: Pre-finished and engineered wood

flooring is already the most popular flooring that I specify. Aside from the huge selection of wood species available, they are a huge money and time saver, and come in finishes that would be impossible to duplicate on the job. The biggest trend in engineered woods is the use of natural oils, like linseed oil, to create the protective finish as opposed to polyurethanes. Aside from the benefits of no VOC’s, an oil finished floor shows much less wear and tear, which makes busy families with kids and dogs much happier in the long run. Trending right now- “French Oak” which has a very weathered and textured feel, in colors that range from driftwood gray to black.

5. Carpet: Wall to wall carpet continues its decline in popularity. Although the

process for making the carpet is now much less toxic, clients have been preferring the simplicity and warmth of wood to be used throughout the home. Sorry carpet lovers!

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6. P l a n t s : G r e e n w a l l s a r e g o r g e o u s !

http://www.greenwalls.com. That being said, any plants in your home act as nature’s filtration system…..remember science class and photosynthesis?

7. Furniture: So many companies are making sustainable furniture these days, but my favorite of all time is Cisco Brother’s. http://www.ciscobrothers.com/. They make all of their furniture locally, with tons of fabrics and finishes to choose from. They are a little pricier, but the superior quality and the knowledge that you are getting a fine piece of sustainable furniture that will last a lifetime, helps ease the pain a bit.

8. Plumbing Fixtures: Lets talk toilets….specifically low flow toilets. Kohler makes an entire line of toilets that meet the new EPA WaterSense standard….that means 1.28 gallons per flush, a savings to most consumers of 4,000 gallons of water per year! More good news, if you are in the market for a fancy multi function toilet seat, they are adaptable to the low flow toilets or there are plenty of specialty toilets on the market. Check out Kohler’s latest…it even plays music, no joke. http://www.kohler.com/numi/#

9. Lighting: One word…..”LED”. Take the time to educate yourself on the endless possibilities offered in the ever-improving world of LED lighting. Another word for exterior fixtures…..”Fluorescent”. I know….everyone loves to hate fluorescent fixtures, but most lighting manufacturers have done a wonderful job of integrating fluorescent technology into their product lines, and using fluorescent fixtures on the exterior complies with a very important building code, title 24. Be sure to check out fixtures at Ferguson: http://www.Ferguson.com and Troy Lighting: http://troy-lighting.com.

10. Cleaning: Now that you have the most up to date, healthy, and

efficient finishes in your new home, don’t go cleaning them with traditional cleansers that contain harsh chemicals. Aside from natural products that can be purchased in any super market, look into a few luxury brands that I love…..Caldrea, Cucina, The Good Home Company, and The Laundress make cleaning your home a healthy and beautiful experience...

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Highlighted Project: Encino Home Status: Project Completed Architectural Character: Contemporary Custom Home Data: 5,411 SF two story home in the Encino Hills overlooking Los Angeles. This home features an attached two-car garage, 4 Bedrooms, 5 1/2 Baths, 2 Offices, Foyer, Gallery, Gym, Great Room, Den, Dining, Kitchen, Morning Room, Mud Room, Laundry, Loggia, Jacuzzi, and a pool with a gorgeous view overlooking Los Angeles.

Photography by: Latham Architectural

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Unique/Key Features: Walls of glass, natural stone surfaces featuring Porcelanosa tile, high ceilings, and sweeping vistas fuse the home's indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor space features a fire pit, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool; the extensive use of windows not only brings the view inside but maximizes the use of natural light. Photovoltaic panels supply power to the home and pool and dramatically reduce energy consumption year round. Tankless water heaters, bamboo cabinetry and flooring, and tight high quality insulation further reduce the environmental footprint of the home and make it more sustainable...this home is also featured in the May Issue of the magazine FIND BLISS.

Photography by: Latham Architectural

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Approximate square footage listed of homes under construction (until homes are completed, rooms and items may vary). BRENTWOOD, CA (available to purchase)

Traditional Coastal Architecture USGBC LEED and

EPA WaterSense Certified 5,418 square foot two-story home

10.127 square foot lot

www.StructureHome.com/131Anita.htm

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BRENTWOOD, CA

New England Traditional Style Custom Home 5,055 square foot home with a

1,189 square foot basement

“under construction” tour TBD BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional Cape Cod Style Custom Home 4,121 square foot two-story home

“under construction” tour May 25, 2013

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

Traditional New England Style Custom Home 4,121 square foot two-story home

“under construction” tour July 2013

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

Traditional Style Custom Home 4,608 square foot two-story home

“under construction” tour April 20, 2013

BRENTWOOD, CA

Traditional New England Style Custom Home

5,802 square foot two-story home

“under construction” tour January 26, 2013

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The national TV series "Alive & Well with Michelle Harris" (Modern Organic Living) recently filmed an episode at VISION House Los Angeles. The show will feature Robert Kleiman discussing the recycling and management of waste, both in the demolition and construction phases of a custom home. The show is scheduled to air in the fall of 2013 on DirecTV (ch. 306), Dish Network (ch. 217), AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS and others. The show is on the ION Life TV Network which airs every day at 5:30 AM, 3:30 PM and week nights at 5:30 PM. Be sure to watch and record it!!

Structure Home is featured in the magazine, Find Bliss, on pages 21 - 24, showcasing our highlighted project in this quarter’s newsletter...a beautiful Contemporary custom home that was built for clients in Encino, CA

1st Century Bank is a premium service business bank focused on providing small, community bank relationships with big bank technologies and services. We provide expertise and creative solutions for your construction project and our professionals will assist you in every step of your project, from budgeting to permanent financing. For more information, contact David Comfort at 310.270.9517, or [email protected].

Structure Home has an official Press Kit that can be downloaded from the website. In addition, you can now find a Sustainably Speaking blog with monthly posts dedicated to sharing information and education regarding ongoing green and sustainable projects, movements within the industry, and ongoing education on building science. For more Social Media, visit the Social Media page that shares all channels of Structure Home social media activity (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Houzz, etc) on one webpage. www.StructureHome.com

/SocialMedia.htm /SustainablySpeaking.htm

/PressKit.pdf

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Stop Cancer 5K|10K Run|Walk 2013 Help raise life-saving dollars to fund early cancer research at UCLA’s Jonsson, USC Norris and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centers! Monies raise also help fund the USC Norris Pediatric Cancer Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA! On August 6, 2011, the owners of one of Structure Home’s preferred partner’s (Nathan and Jody Wood of Aggressive Sash & Door) daughter, Emma Wood was diagnosed with ALL (Accute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). After her diagnosis, Emma and her entire family decided to team up with STOP CANCER to raise money for cancer research. In 2011, Team Emma raised over $20,000.00 and had 130 people join her on the walk/run. In 2012, Team Emma raised over $23,000.00 and had over 300 people join her on the walk/run. To see 300 people all wearing their bright orange Team Emma t-shirts, walking and running together with Emma was an amazing and wonderful sight. It was such a great experience that we're putting Team Emma together again for this year’s walk/run. Emma’s 2013 goal is 400 people to walk/run on her team and reach over $20,000.00, once again. Please join Structure Home as we again support Team Emma on September 22, 2013 at Woodley Park in Van Nuys (6335 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406) and come spend the day with all of us.

SIGN UP HERE: http://bit.ly/18xqvQD

MESSAGE FROM EMMA: http://youtu.be/8xKdFcuKJqw

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Structure Home 21101 Oxnard Street

Woodland Hills, CA 91367 P: (818) 598-1330 F: (818) 598-1340

www.StructureHome.com

© 2013

A special thank you to our preferred partners:

1st Century Bank Ferguson/Thermador

Aggressive Sash & Door

Boulevard Tile & Stone CJS Custom Woodworking & Design

Dynatech Security Systems Lifestyle Landscape

www.structurehome.com/directory.htm

Structure Home offers a referral incentive program that is designed to encourage, recognize and thank those clients who introduce Structure Home to friends, family and acquaintances. In the program, Structure Home will gift $2,500 to those who make a referral that results in a new client and will provide an additional $2,500 upgrade credit to the new clients who've been referred. In this way, all of our clients, past and new, share our appreciation for their loyalty and support. Email: [email protected] to find out more.