Los Angeles’ first certified passive house
Nestled in the San Fernando Valley is a glimpse into the future of homebuilding in Los Angeles. The Saint Clair Passive House in Studio City, represents how homes in LA can be built to higher standards— with not just comfort and luxury in mind but high energy performance and sustainability.
Los Angeles excellence
Aramyan Kovas Design is based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2009, the boutique design-build firm is led by husband and wife duo Kyle and Mary Kovas. The two found inspiration for building passive houses while traveling throughout Europe in countries like Germany and Armenia and questioned why this building method was underutilized in Los Angeles despite its location in an ideal climate.
The firm offers an in-house design team to cover from conception to interior design, by involving all disciplines early in the process they aim to create homes that are cohesive structurally and in style. Aramyan Kovas Design approaches each home holistically, ensuring each decision is carefully considered and maintains their values of high performance and aesthetic integrity. This custom home hosts five bedrooms, four bathrooms and a finished basement.
Since completing Saint Clair, the team has completed two more passive homes and in development to build more for families in Altadena after the devastating fires in January.
From concept to construction
When approaching the site, the team at Aramyan Kovas Design saw the space as a blank canvas, then started imagining. The unique setting offered treetop and hillside views, an opportunity to connect the house seamlessly to the environment. Saint Clair stands out through this element.
From the streetscape rooftop planters line the exterior. The use of naturally fire-resistant hardwood, Golden Balau offers increased resilience in high fire-risk zones. Along with the design of a passive house, the airtight, well-insulated envelope helps prevent smoke infiltration. Furthermore, the use of non-combustible materials and minimized exterior penetrations enhances fire resistance.
While on a compact 5,000 square foot lot, Aramyan Kovas Design took the constraint as a challenge. The design of the 3,900-square-foot home stands out with its carefully thought out use of space. One of the home’s distinctive features is the fully built-out basement, which adds valuable living space without expanding the home’s footprint. This level includes a home theater, office, fifth bedroom and fourth bathroom. It is illuminated by natural light from two thoughtfully placed light wells, maintaining a bright and livable atmosphere.
Inside the design
While rooted in holistic design, Saint Clair reflects both an aesthetic vision and a certified sustainable one. The home features 19 rooftop solar panels and operates at net zero. To maximize efficiency, the home is equipped with three separate HVAC units, one for each level, allowing zoned temperature control based on daily use and occupancy. The home includes a whole-house HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system that filters and circulates fresh air 24/7, ensuring pristine indoor air quality, reducing allergens and pollutants.
European tilt-turn windows and doors further enhance the home’s thermal performance, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, while also providing superior sound insulation. Deep eaves contribute passive cooling benefits, and strategically placed windows maximize daylight, significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
“Every element of Saint Clair was chosen with care—not only to reduce environmental impact but to improve quality of life,” said Mary Kovas. “It’s a home that proves sustainability, comfort, and design excellence can coexist beautifully.”
