Edit this text By, Adrian Willanger LEED AP
A new segment of the home buying population that has become increasingly frustrated with maintaining an older home are looking to re-establish themselves within an amenity rich urban neighborhood, wanting, still, to be close to libraries, markets, churches, parks and fee from week-end home repair projects.
Developers and builders are starting to see this trend happening throughout the country, causing many to re-think their approach to building. One developer-builder Martha Rose has figured it out. It’s critical “that I build something that fits into the neighborhood” mentions Rose when asked about her infill strategies.
Her latest infill-collection of homes is a perfect example of adding value to the community by building less. Smaller homes that are environmentally friendly that blend into the existing neighborhood. The new “lifestyle house” is a product that is targeted to a specific group of buyers looking for a well designed house in a neighborhood centric area.
Rose states “it’s a nice trade-off building in an established neighborhood which has built in amenities while adding environmentally friendly new homes.”
Martha Rose Construction has been building at the severe 5-Star Built Green level since its inception, choosing to make this their standard practice as opposed to making energy efficient options upgrades. “Building at this level requires more work and allot more attention to details” mentions Rose. The real benefit is to the new home owner who gets a home that is more energy efficient, healthier and more comfortable to live in.
The four-home community has been a living classroom for environmentalist, builders, architects, students, home buyers, real estate agents, and curious home owners looking for energy upgrade ideas.
“Our partnership with the Department of Energy’s Building America Team has been invaluable,” mentions Rose. Their research has changed the way we build. By following their lead we are able to build more energy efficient, comfortable, and healthier homes to live in.
Adrian Willanger is founder of Eco-Redux is LEED accredited and has an MBA in Sustainability consults with builders/developers to define their green built home marketing strategies.