The Edge’s New Housing Development

U2 guitarist David Evans, “The Edge,” and his wife Morleigh Steinberg purchased 156 acres nestled in the Santa Monica mountainside a few years ago after taking a hike in the area. The couple now plans to build their dream mansion along with four other mansions. Each mansion would be 10,000-square-feet, and the primer lot space currently lists for $7.5 million (not including the actual home). Evans released a statement to the press saying that the homes will be built to LEED gold standards; however, neighbors and city council members are skeptical of Evans’ environmental commitment.

In Evans’ statement, he said that the homes would look like leaves when viewed from a distance. Although only in the proposal stage, Evans has planned the design of each home to feature organic lines and fluid shapes, which would asthetically blend in with the surrounding environment. Evans envisioned a mote-like pool that would surround one home.

A few Santa Monica residents are hesitant of Evans and Steinberg’s promises to build green for a few reasons. First, the mountain property is located in a wildlife-sensitive area, and extensive construction could disrupt the surrounding habitat. Second, hauling enough materials to build five mansion-sized homes would contribute to carbon dixoide offgassing. Third, Evans plans to construct an access road that would connect the neighborhood Serra Retreat to the five homes, if the project is approved, which would alter the landscape of the mountain.

If his project receives approval from the California Costal Commission, the last obstacle would be building a series of mansions in an area with a history of landslides.  

More about green celebrities

• Actress Daryl Hannah's eco-website dhlovelife helps spread the green message.

• Actor Edward Norton teams up with BP Solar to bring solar-energy systems to low-income families in Los Angeles.

• Soul singer John Legend turns him summer tour green.

• Musician Jack Johnson spreads environmental awareness through his nonprofit Kokua Foundation.