As we begin to understand the connections between our built environment and way of life, and our quality of life and the ecosystem it becomes clear that the conventional ways of building communities are depriving us of the very things that sustain us on earth.   

Clustering smaller than average homes results in the preservation of significant portions of the land as open space for trails, gardens and food plots, native habitat, and natural areas.  More and more, people are realizing the benefits of having a healthy interaction with the natural world as more challenges arise from the lack thereof.  Educating our society about the benefits of our ecosystem starts with a basic everyday access to the outdoors – especially for kids.

Likewise, the benefits of being part of a community are far reaching - especially when the community is formed around shared values.  The key here is achieving the right balance of community and privacy such that community members can choose to interact with their neighbors and surrounding communities or enjoy the piece and quiet of a car-free neighborhood and feel comfortable letting their children explore the acres of nature in a safe environment.  A community gathering place provides a catalyst for interaction and can offer shared amenities, essentially making the individual homes more efficient. 

Designing for a multigenerational community provides a much needed diversity and realizes the value that young people and old alike bring to the table.  Keeping the retired engaged in community is a win-win situation.

Guiding Principles

Design Objectives

1.    Unique platform for co-creating a community with shared values
2.    Smaller, more efficient homes
3.    Walkable & car-free
4.    Solar orientation (passive solar, solar hot water)
5.    Homes blend into surrounding/nature
6.    Landscaping used to tie together living spaces with outdoor spaces
7.    Common gathering space(s)
8.    Three season rooms/outdoor living areas to expand the interior of the homes
9.    Resource conservation; low carbon footprints
10.  Views and direct access to green space
11.  Healthy indoor environment
12.  Green technology