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
