Luxury Home Magazine

Then, consider using products and materials that last longer and create less waste from the beginning. Simply put, those contributions that make a substantial impact should be sustainable. The easiest way to make sustainable structures for the future is to start from the beginning and create lasting, efficient homes and commercial buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program is still a measurable tool for sustainable building. Builders, architects, and other industry professionals undergo extensive and rigorous training to obtain their LEED® certifications.When a professional is certified you can guarantee that he or she fully understands the thinking behind the organization and the regulations that it enforces.There are varying degrees of LEED® certification both for the professionals and the buildings. Kauai’s first certified LEED® Platinum home, presented by Paul Kyno , is featured on the cover of this issue. Kalihi Kai Vista was designed and built by TERRA PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION LLC to highly specific standards. All aspects of the design and building process for this sustainable luxury home were considered – including low maintenance landscaping. Other green features include low-emission tempered glass in all exterior windows & doors, a photovoltaic system rated at 8.3 KW, energy star appliances, a 4500 gallon rain water catchment, low flow showerheads, dual flush toilets, reclaimed teak windows and doors, and FSC certified hardwood flooring, baseboards, ceilings, decking, cabinets, and more. Additionally, they carefully deconstructed the pre- existing home and reused many of those materials such as framing lumber, roof and floor tiles, in the new construction. While reusing existing materials is a significant contribution, harnessing the earth’s easily renewable resources saves a bit Paul Kyno, See Pages 26 & 27 Images by Damon Moss Photography PacificLuxuryLiving.com | 41 Featured Properties