NewLife Homes 4

Drawing on the strong physical and spiritual connections to the Chaco Anasazi (ancient ones), the award winning design incorporates the enduring features of a 1000 year old design with sustainable features of today.

The orientation of the buildings responds to the site and environment following historic Anasazi traditions. Designed for maximum solar exposure, each of the 48 units enjoys controlled southern light throughout the year, with overhangs to reduce summer sun, and winter passive warming and day lighting. The unit heights and separation by circulation routes ensure good solar access for all units, which will reduce energy demands for heating and cooling. Like Chaco canyon ruins, the higher 2 storey units sit along the northerly slope, with the lower single story units stepping down to the south.

Throughout design and construction, the project team worked with a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rater, who assisted in identifying opportunities for energy savings and performed third-party inspections and testing of the units. Each unit is designed and built to save at least 40% of the overall energy that would typically be required if a similar unit were built to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. This level of energy savings exceeds the requirements for ENERGY STAR® certification.

All units have been designed to the highest of standards using highly efficient recycled and locally produced insulation as well as panelized wall systems and light durable exterior finishes. These features, along with many other standardized building materials, will help to ensure a superior building envelope. A tight building means less energy loss which equates to energy savings across the board. Through its holistic design the project hopes to teach residents about environmental design and resource conservation.

Each unit will have ENERGY STAR appliances and indoor air quality is maintained through the use of natural and low VOC content materials and finishes, reducing product off-gassing after construction. Low-e operable windows and high efficiency filters assure fresh clean air for each unit. Approximately 30% of the units have stained concrete floors which not only reduce the need for adhesives but also act as thermal mass which can help to reduce heating loads in the winter.

Because water conservation is of great concern here in the desert southwest New Life Homes 4 has installed only high efficiency fixtures in all of its units. These include 1.5 GPM (Gallon Per Minute) shower heads, 1.28 GPM toilet fixtures and 1.5 GPM faucets. The project team has also designed a highly efficient irrigation system which utilizes a 7- day programmable timer system, drip irrigation features and central cut off valves. These measures coupled with a landscaping plan that utilizes low water plantings makes New Life Homes 4 a model for water conservation.

The overall project design emphasizes a need for urban density while retaining a strong "sense of community". The project's almost 20 units per acre is designed in such a way as to encourage chance meetings, through the strategic placement of many community spaces. This is particularly important for our special-needs residents who require a supportive, nurturing environment where residents look out for one another. The emphasis on community building supports the healthy practices of building energy and resource efficiency.

Parking is dispersed throughout the project to reduce the heat island effect, and a parking waiver was granted so that the site has less parking than required by code supporting our efforts to promote public transportation. NewLife Homes has constructed a bus shelter as part of our community efforts.

The NewLife Homes 4 project serves the most vulnerable residents in the community and through its quality development seeks to dispel myths about special needs and affordable housing. The location of the project encourages walkability and reduces dependence on single owner motor vehicles. New Life Homes 4 is walking distance to one of the largest community centers (Alamosa) in the City which provides a range of medical, conference, library, gym, and other community services. Shops, banks, restaurants, public transport, and other civic services are all within walking distance.

The first phase of NewLife Homes 4 admitted residents in September, 2010, and the project anticipates that the remaining phases will be complete and achieve full occupancy by the end of 2010. There is already a complete waiting list for the project.

The project is on target to meet LEED for HOMES ™ Gold Certification Level.