Greenhomebuildermag Magazine: Features

GreenPoint Rated Satake Estates and Redwood Gate by SummerHill Homes marks a dual success for Silicon Valley and its growing industry of environmental design. By Kimberly Gomes
When it comes to being ahead of the game, the industryleading area of Silicon Valley has held its mark as a high-tech hub of the United States. Nestled amidst the environmentally progressive area is Satake Estates, located in Mountain View, Calif., and Redwood Gate, located in Palo Alto, Calif. -- the newest sustainable living developments by SummerHill Homes. The Bay Area builder began construction for the communities in 2009 with aims for completion by early 2011. Upon opening in June of last year, each development came equipped with eco-friendly features that helped enable them to exceed 100 points through Build It Green's GreenPoint Rating system.	"Most of the homes are still under construction and under review by Build It Green, but all indications show that the homes will achieve point totals at or close to the targeted point total," says Katia Kamangar, senior vice president of SummerHill Homes. With 30 single-family homes in Satake Estates and 45 at Redwood Gate, SummerHill will successfully build a total of 75 new homes, all of which exceed Title 24 by at least 15 percent.
The developer also remained environmentally conscious throughout construction by recycling a minimum of 50 percent of all demolition waste, along with using FSC-certified materials and engineered wood whenever feasible. Both communities incorporated a variety of green features, including radiant barrier roof sheathing to reduce attic temperatures, energy-efficient windows, insulated hot water pipes, high efficiency furnaces and the use of native vegetation to reduce water and fertilizer usage. These third-party certified communities compare in their high rates of energy conservation but offer contrasting design styles to fit each surrounding area. Satake Estates, a six-acre property formerly operated by the Satake Nursery, is an infill development that encompasses a traditional architectural style inspired by the existing neighborhood. The community appeals to diverse professionals and young families with small children. While in Palo Alto, Redwood Gate exudes a modern vibe in order to reflect today's design trends and assimilate into the semi-urban setting. The community has been of interest to professional families commuting from and within the southern Peninsula and Silicon Valley. Needless to say, SummerHill's environmentally friendly communities have been a success since their openings. With the combination of online marketing and steady relations with the area's realtor community, SummerHill has sold 24 homes at Redwood Gate and 18 at Satake Estates. However, the green growth won't be stopping here. Noting the increasing importance of green building in the future of housing, SummerHill has made a strategic commitment to include sustainable living features in all future communities. While the interest in energy efficiency continues to rise, builders can expect a number of green products to be on the homebuyer's radar of desire. With the increased focus on reduced water consumption, tankless water heaters and dual-flush toilets will be gaining popularity in the near future. Similarly, as the cost of photovoltaic roof systems decreases, homebuilders should anticipate that electricity generating features will continue to grow in interest. "Incorporate a 'green commitment' as part of your company's culture," said Robert Freed, president and chief executive officer of SummerHill Homes. "Green building is the right thing to do for the homebuilding industry, for the consumer and for the environment. Today's new homebuyer will see near-term benefits of the green building features in terms of lower energy costs and long-term benefits in terms of resale value." Kimberly Gomes is an editorial assistant at Green Homebuilder magazine. She may be contacted at kgomes@penpubinc.com.