The last recession of 1994 provided us with an opportunity to purchase our home at a location with the following features:

1. Proximity to our office

2. Walking distance to excellent public schools

3. Convenient location  near two bus stops with two major lines

4. Closeness to the ocean and downtown La Jolla

5. Large, enclosed courtyard which provides a secure and enjoyable place for children

Consciousness about cost- and time-saving resolutions, not awareness of green and sustainable building solutions, gave us the firm belief that it was a wise decision to acquire and invest in this risky building.

 The original building, built in the mid-20th century, was dark and cold with low ceilings, dark wood interiors and a choppy floor plan; the tiny kitchen and big backyard were totally isolated from the rest of the house.

Even though our climate is temperate, the building was either too cold or too hot during winter and summer respectively.

Residing in the house while we planned for the remodel, let us become acquainted with the deficiencies as well as the functional features of the home in a way we might not have recognized otherwise.

Along with the five strategies mentioned above, the following points are additional strategies we utilized as responsible owner-builders who happened to be familiar with passive solar design prior to our familiarity with the green movement:

Being the proprietor, builder, architect, interior designer, landscape designer and engineer of the building allowed us to save on cost tremendously. Direct supervision and problem solving on the spot eliminated the necessity for construction changes, reducing labor and material waste. These savings were in addition to our usual meticulous attention to money-saving design details and use of cost-effective solutions, materials and suppliers.