Images courtesy of S. Peck STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BUILT INTO THE COURTYARD AT SERENBE. EACH HOUSE HAS A VIEW INTO THE FOREST. Our waste water treatment plant is all natural filtration system using no chemicals (see image below). Houses are required to be geothermal and EarthCraft certified as well as being built with architectural integrity to be sustainable yet pleasing to the eye. Dark sky regulations are implemented so we can see more stars at night. I identified the many silos of public perception and regulation that have caused many unintended consequences. This has resulted in a reaction against development because the places we build are congested and our people are sick and depressed. SP: What is it about Serenbe that makes it a model of future, more sustainable development in Georgia and beyond? SN: We have created a place anyone can visit and see the biophilic approach we take to build a community. Serenbe is a demonstration and a model yet all of the biophilic principles and design practices implemented here can be replicated anywhere in the world. Serenbe has a multitude of biophilic examples. Cluster houses so less land is disturbed. Put in sidewalks and build houses with large front porches pulled closely to the sidewalks to promote walkability. Centralized mailboxes give people an excuse to get out and walk. Protected greenspace eliminates the need for large yards. Put in edible landscaping at every crosswalk to understand seasonality and grab a snack on your walk. SP: With Serenbe, you've been able to push the regulatory barriers aside in many cases to innovative. How have you been able to succeed at this when so many others fail? Do you have any advice for other developers about overcoming adversity? SN: I grew up in a farm family but professionally Supplier of StormCapTM Vegetated System Superior Water-Retention-to-Weight Ratio LIVING ARCHITECTURE MONITOR / SUMMER 2019 / 8 855.786.7626 | stormwatercaptureco.com LIVINGARCHITECTUREMONITOR.COMhttp://www.stormwatercaptureco.com