Imagine a master-planned community where all the houses are green, energy-self-sufficient, and contain state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems, electronics, appliances, and furnishings at a cost much less than a comparable home.
Now imagine these houses on lots with attractive privacy fences and green belts with many trees and shrubs. Picture the houses, garages, and access streets arranged to take advantage of the green belts and encourage pedestrian traffic and interaction between residents.
Now imagine these houses in a community with natural and landscaped parks, a business park supporting entrepreneurs, a co-op organic fruit and vegetable farm, and a real town center. This town center would be quaint but technologically advanced. The community’s unique design would provide nearly equal distances between home subdivisions and the town center. It would also encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Finally, imagine these houses costing much less than a comparable home and neighborhood because of two (2) major differences: the design and size of the houses.
Through an innovative design approach, these houses would be 50 to 75 percent smaller than most homes today. But they would incorporate all the latest technological and comfort features into a unique, clever, and efficient open design. The exclusive design and its small size would facilitate much lower energy and water use and monetary investment in furniture, kitchen equipment, and personal electronics.
The exterior design of the houses would be old-style. However, no compromises would be made in energy efficiency or green construction.
Because of their small size, this community’s houses would only be suitable for couples and singles. These homes would not be appropriate for families with children, so a separate master-planned community would be built to fulfill their needs.
I have worked on designs for these houses and communities for years! So there are many more aspects of this project that I’ve developed that are too numerous and proprietary to include in this article.
With all the advancements in renewable energy and green technology, building this town as I described is now possible. I wonder if Ron Howard (Opie) has any suggestions. 🙂