Green communities and residential buildings are gaining popularity all across the nation. As the green housing movement gains momentum, developers and architects are rolling out exciting new green technologies and features. Below are four communities that are changing the “green” movement for the better.
1. Porous Streets & Sidewalks
Pringle Creek, a 132 home development in Salem, Oregon is being built with entirely porous streets and sidewalks. Porous surfaces allow 90% of rainwater to run back into the surrounding soil. This dramatically cuts down on the negative effects that polluted storm water runoff can have on surrounding river and lake systems. The community also captures excess rain water in storage tanks for use on community gardens.
2. Homes Frames Made From Recycled Steel
Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park, California is taking a whole new approach to building homes. The community will feature an on site solar power facility where home frames are made from recycled steel. Each of the communities 1,900 homes will use the equivalent of 6 SUV’s worth of recycled steel and will save 40 trees.
3. Living Completely Off The Grid
Quay Valley, a 50,000 home community still in the conceptual stages in Kings County, California have laid out an extraordinary plan in regards to power. Quay Valley aims to be the first entirely solar powered development in the world. They hope to accomplish this through the construction of three, 100 acre solar arrays. The developer of the community actually estimates that the panels will produce excess electricity which will be sold back to the neighboring townships.
4. Maximizing The Sunlight
Enso, a stunning new 19 story condo tower in downtown Seattle, Washington aims to take advantage of natural sunlight. Every unit features floor to ceiling windows with a large “curtain wall”. The window wall is designed to let abundant light into the apartments without overheating them through the use of insulated glass and a retractable curtain. Maximizing sunlight exposure can help to keep units much warmer in the winter months and dramatically cut down on the need for artificial lighting.