Sustainable Land Development Today - April 2008 - (Page 32) site plan, which was initially designed to accommodate 38, one-half acre lots. The number changed slightly when it was discovered that a large tree would be threatened if a planned road was constructed. During the development of the 13 lots in Phase one of the project, great care was taken to avoid cutting down any trees. But when the second phase began, it became obvious that four smaller trees would have to go. “We needed to move the road over, from the original plan to save one gigantic tree. An aboriculturist said we were just close enough to put it in jeopardy,” Allen said. “When we moved the road, we actually lost one lot, but it was worth it to save the tree and stay true to our conservation principles and vision.” The widths of the roadways are held to the minimum to create the least amount of pervious surfaces. The terrain will serve as the stormwater system, Innovative Stormwater Management Products Media Filtration Underground Retention/Detention The Complete Stormwater Management Products Provider incorporating features like bioswales to channel water toward the land’s natural drainage system. As for wastewater, each home will be served with its own aerobic, onsite waste system. Meanwhile, a zoned approach to the prairie landscape creates a transition to the homesites. A small amount of manicured lawn, made up of the native grasses, provides another transition from the totally wild to the built environment. Landscaping around the homes will include a blend of decorative, native plants that are visually appealing, do not require watering and provide shade. “We get a lot of compliments on that. It’s really beautiful,” Allen said. “You step out of the home and you have this really interesting band of colorful, native plants, then you are into native prairie the way it was thousands of years ago.” Hydrodynamic Separators Green Homes Restrictive covenants and architectural guidelines are in place to ensure a high quality and sustainable subdivision. The first home to be built, the model for the subdivision, also serves as Allen’s residence and office. It was constructed under the guidance of the Austin Green Building program. The home earned its Five-Star Rating, one of only 30 out of the 5000 that came under review at the time it was certified and the only one outside of Austin to draw the recognition. The Austin program was a precursor to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards, which weren’t available for homes at the time construction began. Allen also says the Austin standards were more applicable to the project, especially as they relate to energy use. “I think one of the criticisms of LEED is that it is not regionally specific,” he pointed out. “For instance, a hot and Specialty Applications Course of Construction Site Controls Contact us today to learn more about these exciting systems for complete stormwater management. Call 1-800-579-8819 Visit our web site at: www.kristar.com Circle 136 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard 32 April 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today http://www.kristar.com http://www.kristar.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard
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