Blue Jay Residence: Sustainable Luxury by Lori Dennis
A seamless indoor-outdoor experience crafted with Ipé and reclaimed woods
Dennis always designs with an eye to sustainability and environmental awareness, and the home incorporates numerous green aspects as well. Limestone 4x4 slab flooring throughout the interior and exterior of the residence is strikingly beautiful and also acts as a heat sink, absorbing solar energy during the day and releasing it on cold desert nights.
Because a great deal of stone was used for the flooring, Dennis added wood cladding to many of the residence's columns as a technique to soften the look of the interior. Reclaimed white oak planks were also used and placed horizontally throughout the entire home.
The master bath and master patio have radiant floor heating, which is highly effective and is the most luxurious way to heat a body. The kitchen is bathed in sunlight, and features natural gray stone and white washed oak cabinets. The warm gray counters are made of recycled content quartz. Features such as water filters, compost receptacles, easily cleaned materials that do not require harsh, toxic chemicals, an abundance of natural light and copious air flow help the homeowner practice sustainable behavior and live an environmentally sensitive lifestyle.
Stunning, exotic wood finishes throughout the home, including the bar, closets, vanities and cabinets, are all made by eco-friendly manufacturers and meet FSC certification requirements.
The homeowner is a restaurateur and oenophile, who takes great pride in his culinary knowledge and accomplishments. He specifically wanted to highlight the bar area of the home, and so a rarely seen zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis) veneer with crème and coffee stripes was selected to showcase his 300-bottle wine collection.
The master bathroom with natural materials of bronze and lava rock, known to help balance magnetic fields and benefit the central nervous system, is an environment that literally melts stress away. Endless views of nature from the hand-carved stone tub and spa-quality steam shower make an ordinary morning routine feel much like a luxurious vacation in paradise.
The home's electronic brain was designed to ensure all systems functioned effectively and efficiently. The system allows the homeowner to make adjustments to use energy and resources for maximum comfort and minimum impact.
Custom furniture and fabrics throughout the home were created by Lori Dennis and are eco-friendly, organic and built from FSC-certified woods.
A vast expanse of roof deck provides a fabulous opportunity for the homeowner to install enough solar panels to power the home (pre-wired for this option) or for the installation of a green roof, securing another energy efficient spot of tranquility in this treasure of a home.
Blue Jay was designed as a total indoor-outdoor experience, and it invites the beneficial Pacific Ocean sea breeze to waft gently in to soothe and calm the residents, and their visitors. Moreover, it was designed to age gracefully and never go out of style.
With its many seamless transitions between interior and exterior, the home demanded materials that were not only beautiful, but could also stand up to the elements. Ipé, a hard Brazilian wood, was chosen for the ceilings and decks.
Frequently asked questions
What wood was used for the ceilings and decks at Blue Jay Residence?+
Ipé, a hard Brazilian wood, was chosen for the ceilings and decks because it is beautiful and can stand up to the elements at the home's many indoor-outdoor transitions.
Why was limestone slab flooring used throughout Blue Jay Residence?+
The 4x4 limestone slab flooring used on the interior and exterior acts as a heat sink, absorbing solar energy during the day and releasing it on cold desert nights, while also being strikingly beautiful.
What wood species was selected for the bar area and why?+
A rarely seen zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis) veneer with crème and coffee stripes was chosen to showcase the homeowner's 300-bottle wine collection, reflecting his passion as a restaurateur and oenophile.
How is the Blue Jay Residence designed to be energy efficient?+
The home features an electronic brain that controls systems for maximum comfort and minimum impact, radiant floor heating in the master bath and patio, and a vast roof deck pre-wired for solar panels or a green roof installation.
What sustainable materials are used in the Blue Jay kitchen?+
The kitchen features natural gray stone, white washed oak cabinets, and warm gray counters made of recycled content quartz, along with water filters and compost receptacles to support sustainable living.
Are the wood finishes at Blue Jay Residence FSC-certified?+
Yes, the exotic wood finishes on the bar, closets, vanities, and cabinets are made by eco-friendly manufacturers and meet FSC certification requirements, as are the custom furnishings designed by Lori Dennis.