Just a few months ago, Kovac Architects broke ground on the Sycamore House, a modern Pacific Palisades residence designed as the home of Principal Michael Kovac. Also to serve as a laboratory for the architecture firm’s ongoing research into environmentally-conscious design, the home is expected to be one of the first in California to receive Platinum Certification from the USGBC LEED for Homes Program. The 3,400 square foot residence has been designed to reflect the environment of the building site, and will draw inspiration from the three Sycamores found on the steeply descending property. Using over 75% of the materials salvaged from the property’s former residence (and an array of sustainable and green construction materials) will ensure that the home is as respectful as it is reflective of the environment in which it lies. Kovac Architects has slated the homes completion for 2008, but in the meantime, more of Sycamore House’s design and material elements can be found here.