Los Angeles recently saw the groundbreaking of Rock Row, the city’s first Small Lot Subdivision to be certified under the USGBC’s new LEED for Homes program. Developed by Heydey Partnership, the complex is aiming to prove that modern sustainably built homes can be affordable as well. As a result, homes in Rock Row, located in an historic neighborhood in L.A., will range from $475,000 to $550,000.
Rock Row will include a great a variety of green building features, making LEED certified housing available in an unprecedented price range. The houses will feature permeable, grass-paved driveways that prevent run-off into the ocean and will be fitted with tankless water heaters and low flow fixtures. Additionally, each house will be topped with a green roof planted with water-efficient, drought-tolerant landscaping, and exterior spaces will feature photovoltaic outdoor lighting.
The homes are planned for energy efficiency and include pre-wiring for a rooftop solar array. They have central A/C with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 14. SEER is a rating assigned according to the standards developed by ENERGY STAR to measure the efficiency of air conditioners. (Air conditioners must have a SEER of 13 to be ENERGY STAR qualified.) LEED certification for homes also requires high indoor air quality and low utility bills in addition to energy efficient and sustainable design.
Construction on Rock Row has already begun and the homes are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2010.
+ Rock Row
+ Heyday Partnership
Its great that homes are now being manufactured with LEED certification in mind, but they are very expensive. The average home buyer could not afford one of those homes. We need all people to be able to afford to live sustainably.
It is also my personal opinion that these homes look aesthetically unpleasing, They are very Bauhaus architectural style, and that is boring. You’d think for the price of the home that they could spice it up a little so that the home is more than just a box.
Some people amaze me by their comments on this site…
What deams “interesting” architecture? More peaked roofs? Maybe some BRICK? Or better yet, maybe a garage door as your primary entrance door? These changes would absolutely make it better!
This is good news and at a price point that will make a lot of people very, very happy (any home price beginning with a 4 is an elusive dream around here). And Eagle Rock is even a good neighbourhood! Yay!
Thanks for posting. I love your article hope to see more from you soon