Editor’s Letter
Going green can be grand, at least as far as today’s design trends are concerned. New building products, a heightened awareness and specialized training and education for key professionals involved in the home process (did you know there are Eco-Realtors?) have created a new wave of more eco-friendly high-end homes to hit the market. Take the new $29 million mansion designed by developer Frank McKinney. Set in Manalapan, Fla., Acqua Liana is not your average luxury waterfront estate. With its reclaimed and renewable wood floors, grass driveway and ultra-efficient air-conditioning system, the 15,000-square-foot residence holds the distinction of being the first mansion to receive green ratings from three different organizations. It also provides proof that green can be done with great opulence and that luxury real estate is being reshaped by such trends. The estate sits on 1.6 acres fronting the Atlantic Ocean and boasts a private dock, a (first-ever) glass water floor and more.
McKinney is indicative of a growing view on homebuilding, in which as much time and care is spent in creating a masterpiece, as in thinking about and orchestrating how that masterpiece is built. According to his Web site, 340,000 pounds of construction debris was recycled and 85 percent of it will never reach a landfill. There are systems built in to collect water and energy (solar panels), and cut down on electricity usage. Yet buyers probably will note the soaring waterfall walls, breathtaking ocean views and custom features (such as a hand-blown glass chandelier), before they get to these green design items. For more on this trend, see Camilla McLaughlin’s story on page 64. McLaughlin was perhaps the best writer to assign to this story, having been a bit of a trend-setter herself. Flashback to New Hampshire, 25 years ago, where she had a home designed and built using many of the concepts being used today, including passive solar panels and blown cellulose insulation. For more on green products, please see Unique Perspectives, starting on page 46.
In addition to such eco-focused items, we are also spotlighting green views and valleys, like those found on some of the country’s premier ranches and equestrian estates. The lure of such offerings is still quite strong, judging from the properties that are currrently available, including a historic Texas ranch currently listed for $108 million (page 43).
Until next time…
Kathleen Carlin-Russell
