Garbett Homes Unveils First Affordable Net Zero “Smart Home” in Climate Zone 5 to Achieve HERS “0” Score and First to Receive U.S. Dept. Energy Challenge Home Certification in Utah
IRVINE, CA – August 5, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Award-winning national firm KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture + Planning, is pleased to announce the first climate 5 net-zero “smart home” to achieve a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) 0 rating. Called The Zero Home, this production home is the first in Utah to receive the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Challenge Home certification, which recognizes home builders for their leadership constructing zero-energy ready homes that are both energy efficient and include high-end finishes, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.
Designed by KTGY, The Zero Home is part of Garbett Home’s Bellasol community and is located in the master-planned community of Rosecrest in Herriman, encompassing over 2,500 acres of rolling-foothills and valleys in a quiet setting with panoramic views. Garbett Homes currently has 17 lots in Rosecrest with an option on 15 more, according to Rene Oehlerking, marketing director for Garbett Homes.
The self-sufficient non-custom home, which is also Energy Star certified, is solar-powered by a 10.29 Kilowatt Solar Photovoltaic Energy System and equipped with Vivint’s smart home technology and Vivint Solar‘s energy array. The home will generate its own energy, offsetting most or all of the homeowners’ utility bills.
“Only a select group of our nations builders are constructing zero energy ready homes certified as DOE Challenge Homes,” says Sam Rashkin, Chief Architect of the Building Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy. “The U.S. Department of Energy believes these homes live better (e.g., comfort and healthful), work better (e.g., ultra efficient and advanced technology) , and last better (e.g., quality construction and more durability). Garbett Homes is one of the leading builders able to meet this extraordinary level of performance. DOE believes this leadership provides a critical example for the rest of the housing industry. America homebuyers want this type of next generation home; now they know how to find it.”
According to KTGY’s John Tully, a principal and a founding partner of the California-based firm, “The Zero Home serves as a prototype for affordable net-zero residential building across the United States. It is the first home to receive the HERS 0 rating that can be replicated at a price the average consumer can afford, and it will virtually eliminate homeowners’ electricity bills.”
The Zero Home is priced in-line with other homes in the area based on the price per square foot. Home buyers can purchase a net zero home beginning at $350,000. The Zero Home is a single-family home with four floor plans that feature three to five bedrooms, two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half bathrooms and a four-car garage, including a charging station for an electric vehicle. The Zero Home will be featured in the Salt Lake Parade of Homes from August 2–17, 2013.
“Garbett is currently selling homes with HERS ratings in the 30’s and only needed minor tweaks to meet the Challenge Home specification,” Oehlerking says. “This includes multifamily projects that achieve HERS ratings in the 20’s and 30’s with only 1.4 kW solar systems. Garbett has been able to achieve very low HERS scores with production homes and remain competitive in the marketplace.”
Tully adds, “We are excited about the next generation of housing that follows the recent success of Garbett Homes’ sold-out TerraSol and The Solaris Collection at Daybreak.”
“We have forged a very successful partnership working with KTGY,” says Oehlerking. “We have been working with KTGY since 2008, and have completed 7 projects with KTGY, and have won numerous awards. KTGY is always ahead of the market and they help us push design and livability to maximize home sales.”
About Garbett Homes
Garbett Homes has been building, marketing and selling award-winning communities for over 30 years. Garbett Homes strives to offer the most up-to-date technology and innovative designs in comfortable and functional homes. They are committed to Green Building Practices and constantly look for new ways to improve in every aspect of energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental responsibility. Garbett Homes has built over 4,000 homes and apartments in more than 30 communities in the United States and Mexico. See www.garbetthomes.com.
About Vivint
Vivint is a leading provider of home technology services in North America. Vivint’s technology-based platform integrates a wide range of wireless features and components that deliver simple, affordable home security, energy management, home automation and solar solutions. In 2011, Vivint’s Home Automation package and Advanced Security package received a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” rating. Dedicated to protecting families, increasing energy efficiency, and simplifying lives, Vivint has more than 13 years of experience and supports over 700,000 customers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vivint.com.
About KTGY Group
Celebrating 21 years, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is a national award-winning firm providing comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, market trends and financial performance. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons, Va. See www.KTGY.com