The Ridge homes to be eco-friendly 12/19/2008 1:26 AM
By APRIL BAILEY Staff writer
Ron Monahan is looking to go green with home development in Aiken.
The developer of The Ridge at Chukker Creek, Monahan is planning to create a housing community filled with energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes. The Ridge at Chukker Creek will feature about 270 homes, with prices starting at $275,000.
With the project, Monahan said the community will be designed with an emphasis on nature. The Ridge at Chukker Creek also includes a 61-acre conservation easement called the Freeman Preserve, miles of walking trails and a spring-fed pond. Workers were out Thursday insulating one of the homes currently being constructed for the housing development.
The insulation being used, called AirTight Spray Foam, is an energy-efficient insulator.
When sprayed into the walls or the roofline of a house, the foam - which can provide up to 6.8-inches of insulation - will cut a homeowner's energy bill by 60 percent, according to Monahan. He said other eco-friendly methods will also be used during the construction process.
"Really the idea is taking the materials we've built with in the past and using them to make an energy efficient house," said George Watt, Monahan's architect.
Builders plan to use recycled or recyclable materials, with low or no volatile organic compounds and locally manufactured components.
By using EnergyStar construction techniques and appliances, along with the foam insulation, builders will be able to install smaller heating and air units for the homes.
"Combining all of these techniques, including LED lighting and other innovations, such as the proper siting of the house on the property to take advantage of sunlight and other natural elements, you end up with a high-performance house," says Monahan. "Building this way, you really feel good about what you're doing."
Don Willis and his son, Brad Willis, of Smart Energy Solutions in Augusta, looked on as the foam was being sprayed Thursday afternoon. Once the home is complete, they will decide if it meets the qualifications to receive an EnergyStar certification.
The two said more and more people are beginning to consider energy efficiency when purchasing a new home. "People are more energy conscious now than they have ever been," said Don.
Monahan, who is an award-winning developer for his innovation in energy efficiency in Boulder, Colo., said he soon plans to construct Aiken's first zero energy home in the development.
"Our concepts use new technologies and some slight changes in construction techniques, that dramatically reduce the cost of energy in homes," Monahan said.
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