The home was built by Wave Crest owner Jeff Adams and designed by his brother, Steve Adams of Adams Design Associates in Solana Beach, both of whom are known for their expertise in sustainably built and designed homes. “It’s great to receive the national recognition and to be part of the current ‘wave’ of green building practices being implemented into today’s best homes.” says Jeff.

LEED-certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live.

With over 40 years of experience in the construction business, the LEED Platinum rating speaks volumes about Jeff Adams’ dedication to protecting the built environment. “Achieving LEED recognition is not simple, and larger houses are at a disadvantage from the start.

For the Walton Residence we needed an additional 15 points over a standard LEED size home for each of the rating levels, so we knew that it would take an extreme, integrated effort on behalf of the entire team of the owner, architects, designers, subcontractors, suppliers and green raters. Planning and team meetings began well before the first shovel hit the dirt and continued weekly throughout the construction. The end result was a total of 108 LEED points out of a possible 136.”

Functionality and cost/reward analysis were a strict requirement of the homeowner. The exquisite yet clean-lined four bedroom home features 5.9 Kw of PV solar panels, vegetated roofs and a 1,700 gallon cistern to collect rain water which is used for irrigation. Energy efficiency upgrades include low-e argon windows, blown in cellulose insulation with advanced Eco Seal air sealing, tankless water heaters, 95% high efficiency gas furnaces, sealed ductwork, Energy Star appliances and Lutron Homeworks low-volt lighting controls.

The two primary goals were to achieve as high a rating as possible while keeping a tight rein on the budget. 100% low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, sealants and adhesives have been used throughout the house for improved indoor air quality. Durable components used include Azek composite exterior facia and trim that will not decay from ocean air exposure, borate treated lumber and eaves that prevent termite infestation, Loewen kynar coated aluminum exterior clad wood windows and doors, and Trex composite decking for the rooftop sun deck.

“Living in a LEED-certified home not only means you will be saving money and precious resources, it also means that it’s more durable than a non-certified home,” said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. “The quality of the products and the different green strategies used within the home means that its owners will be enjoying their high-performing home for years to come.”

Having practiced in Green Building since the oil shortages of the late seventies, Mr. Adams has become a LEED Accredited Professional by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED professional accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. Jeff is also a Certified Green Professional (CGP) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). A real estate broker since 1978, he has been awarded the National Association of Realtors’ Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation by NAR.

Learn more about LEED®

The project was registered in the U.S Green Building Council’s “LEED for Homes” program on 12/9/09 with the original target level for certification being “Silver”.  As the builder, Jeff Adams of Wave Crest General Contracting, and the homeowner improved the “green scope” of the project during construction, that targeted level has now become “Gold” (one level below the highest possible rating of “Platinum”.)

The new home has been modeled to perform 53.8% better than California’s already stringent Title-24 Energy Code.  Features include foam-sealing of the envelope for air-tightness, blown cellulose insulation, treatment of all wood used in framing with non-toxic sodium borate (which should provide termite-proofing for the lifetime of the home), green roof areas, rainwater catchment system to provide irrigation for the landscaping, and a 6kW solar Photovoltaic system which should provide 52.9% of the annual electricity requirements.

For more information, please contact Jeff Adams through Wave Crest General Contracting.