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architects. Yust’s Venice-based firm, Tierra Sol y Mar, hadn’t done a project in Huntington Beach before the Kadotas came calling, but it’s done similar ones around Los Angeles — gutting and renovating homes in some cases and even building new eco-savvy homes on empty lots.

“Fortunately, green has become much more common now,” she said. “It’s something that architects should always do, but there’s a much greater awareness now.”

Maybe someday, the Kadota residence will be recognized as a historic home in Surf City. And in that case, the city can honor it with a plaque made out of cork.

Huntington Beach Independent City Editor MICHAEL MILLER can be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.