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Futuristic Gas Stations appear in Los Angeles - Going green with Helios House

Interesting and futuristic-looking gas stations are opening up around Los Angeles.

The first such unique gas station was Helios House, a BP site at the corner of of Robertson & Olympic Blvd in Los Angeles.

It's a self-service center that sells only unleaded gasoline. The station consists of a stainless steel structure covering all the pumps and has 90 solar panels that supply power for the station. The unfinished stainless steel design increases light reflectivity which in turn reduces lighting demand. Light fixtures throughout the site use LED lamps. which are controlled by photocells and motion detectors to control their operation. Rainwater is collected by the large canopy and pumped to irrigate the sites landscaping. (Since LA does not receive much rain, this may be more of a marketing issue than a practical one).

Helios House is the first gas station in the US to be submitted for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and BP claims Helios House uses 16 percent less electricity than traditional stations.

Another eco-friendly gas station, designed by Kanner architects, is United Oil's new site which is still under construction at La Brea and Slauson Avenues in the Ladera Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Posted by Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Condo Specialist on 11/01/2008 03:48 PM

Comments (17)

Los Angeles in the Regional (Localism) Channel

los angeles real estate, west hollywood, going green, stewart penn, penn properties, bp, helios house

Originally posted at: LA Connection Property Blog: Futuristic Gas Stations appear in Los Angeles - Going green with Helios House

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17 Comments on Futuristic Gas Stations appear in Los Angeles - Going green with Helios House

NOV

2008

That's a pretty cool looking station ... but what is the cost and is it cost effective? Green is cool - but when it comes down to it which business is going to pay 10x as much for green if they are not required? I really like the concept though.

Interesting and very modern design. I am sure the tax credits for Green building also give it a cost advantage. The only question I have is does it fit in with the character of architecture design for the area of will it be more of a sore thumb?

Thanks for the info

Connie

Steve - BP claims the center will use 16% less power than traditional gas stations. I thought that number would have been higher.

Connie - The part of Los Angeles where they built Helios House (just adjacent to Beverly Hills) is a mix of all sorts of architectural styles ... so this structure doesn't ruin any specific character.

Stewart, what do they charge for their gas? I think that's the big question most of us have when it's time to fill up. And, I'd use any excuse to fill up at this place! Pretty cool looking!

That is really neat. We will see it on the east coast 10 years later :(

That's pretty cool, but I agree that it's a shame all they're doing will only cut 16% of their needed power.

How beautiful! For those of us who read Dwell magazine, this is great! As usual, California leads the way....

I like unique and artistic thing. This one is really different. Very inspiring.

Patricia - Their prices are pretty much in line with all the other gas stations in the area.

Katie - This particular BP site is a "test" - and if it works out BP plans to open similar gas stations in the rest of the country.

It is a very cool looking design and apparently quite functional. Hopefully, when the effective delivery methods for alternative fuels is realized, this station will be able to sell alternative fuels as well as Unleaded.

Very cool Stewart. I hope we see more Tax credits to encourage creative green building projects like this one.

NOV

2008

An artist's impression of the new eco-friendly gas station being built at La Brea and Slauson Avenues in the Ladera Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

That is a very impressive looking station! Wow. :)

These are cool looking stations. I'm curious though - their method for obtaining the electricity is green, yet they dispense hydrocarbons. Isn't this rather oxymoronic?

Matthew - You're right ... but it's a step in the right direction.

NOV

2008

I will grant you that. I have read the recent cover story in Discover Magazine. Speaks of some really creative ways to come up with new energy sources.

This is really cool, I love that a gas station is so futuristic. We have arrived in the future!!

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