Oro Valley Southwest Contemporary

Tucson Green Homes….another new Tucson Community

As energy prices rise, so does the request for energy efficient cars and also Green Homes.

We are also seeing an increasing number of people asking for energy efficient homes or homes that are off the grid in Tucson and the surrounding area.

I visited a great community last week  The Community  is a urban neighborhood of urban lofts which are energy efficient Green Homes. It is also a community that maintains a lifestyle that could be sustained without exhausting natural resources. The Community is called Indigo Modern.

Indigo Modern  suits those that are looking for an urban lifestyle with Tucson Electric Power (TEP) guaranteed heating and cooling costs, rainwater harvesting, Xeriscaping, solar and the use of natural materials in the house building process.

The homes were designed by Architect Rob Paulus,  and are modern and innovative in their design. Situated close to the University of Arizona, they are an ideal  solution for busy lifestyles and for those working downtown.

The homes have a TEP ( Tucson Electric Power) Guarantee for  heating and cooling costs, and are guaranteed not to exceed $42.08 a month. This is significant amount in the desert southwest, as the lofts have large expansive windows that one would imagine would put the cost much higher.

The homes are also supplied with  rainwater harvesting systems that capture the rainwater from the roof for basic gardening and reduce the home’s water bill.

The outside landscaping uses "Xeriscaping." This refers to ways in which you can landscape without requiring supplemental irrigation. Some common plants used are agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum and thyme.Drought tolerant landscaping is also used in the  development which are desert plants that can tolerate the heat.

The homes also have have passive solar shading, trellises on their balconies, and sliding steel doors.

They are also prewired for solar photovoltaic panels which allow the homeowner to add solar at a later date.

Hot water is also supplied by a solar hot water heater, and there is an upgrade that is available in the new section that is to be built. Arizona provides Tax credits for the installation of solar energy saving devices in homes.

Xenon bulbs are used for lighting in the kitchen. the bulbs have an 8000 hour lifetime as opposed to the Halogens that last 2000 hours. Xenon bulbs give a crisp bright light, and provide more light in an area that requires sufficient light to cook.

However in other areas of the home, fluorescent bulbs are used that cost more than regular incandescent light,  but also last longer.

Solatubes are also used to bring in natural light where needed.

The windows are coated with a 170 Low E Coating. Using this product, less heat in transferred through the window, and it heating and air conditioning costs are reduced. The low E also prevents furniture from fading. They are typically more expensive than regular windows, but can reduce energy loss as much as 30 to 50%.

Attention to reusability has been taken in every step of the homes. The tile is made by Dal Tile and 45% of the body of the tile is a by waste product of raw processing. Scrap tile generated during the processing period is reused in the making for the tile. The glazes are water based, and no solvents were used in the process.

The siding that is used on the homes is recycled and reusable, and is the toughest most durable lasting siding and is less expensive than mining raw ore.

Headlong has also been used on the exterior of the home and is outside paneling that is ECO friendly, low maintenance, non combustible, withstands termite attack, resists moisture, and was voted one the the most Innovative products introduced in the last two decades.

The Green homes are insulated with blown in Cellulose Insulation made mostly of shredded newspaper and a variety of chemicals to reduce flammability.

The spray on technique fills voids that batt insulation cannot and reduces energy bills over time.

The Community Pool has a salt water system that is nicer for your skin, and is easy on your eyes. There is also less maintenance required, and the need for harsh chemicals is avoided. Interestingly enough, it has a higher install price but it is more cost effective because of supplies and the maintenance costs.

Flooring is primarily concrete which has been finished to have a great modern shiny look.

If you have time to stop by, then Indigo Modern is well worth the visit. The quality of the construction combined with innovative design, make these Urban Lofts a place to live.