by Allison Milionis

In light of rising energy costs and potentially disastrous environmental policies, timing couldn't be better for the opening of Colorado Court, one of the first 100-percent energy-neutral housing developments in the United States. Located on a busy, urban street corner in Santa Monica, California, the award-winning five-story, "green" building is designed not only to reduce energy consumption but to return unused power back to the city's electrical grid.

The flagship project is the result of a collaboration between architects Pugh Scarpa Kodama (PSK), the City of Santa Monica, a team of expert consultants, and the Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), an organization dedicated to the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

The Colorado Court project, which recently won a 2003 Honor Award from the AIA, was a natural fit for PSK, a firm committed to sustainable design and green issues. "PSK has been getting greener all the time," says principal Lawrence Scarpa. Within their own offices, the firm observes environmentally sound procedures, such as not using traditional blueprint processes, which require ammonia and other poisonous chemicals.   >>>

A striking blue array of photovoltaic panels form part of the facade of the award-winning Colorado Court, designed by Pugh Scarpa Kodama. Photo: Marvin Rand Photovoltaic panels form part of the facade of the award-winning Colorado Court, designed by Pugh Scarpa Kodama. Photo: Marvin Rand   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.