New development features LEED Platinum standards

Combining luxury with sustainability is the goal of a new housing development. Sheldon Crossing Carriage Homes are located in Manayunk only 10 minutes outside of center city Philadelphia.

Every aspect from beginning to end incorporates sustainable practices, according to Denise Lehmann, a partner in Denale, Inc., the developer of the project. Lehmann had already been using Energy Star standards in her prior real estate projects. “At that time, there was no LEED home certification program by the USGBC,” Lehmann said. “When we found about that the LEED program was created, it was a no-brainer to go that route.”

Her partner Alex Plessett, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Services in Blue Bell, said their goal is to build this development to the highest LEED Platinum standards. “We want to help pioneer future development by building energy efficient, healthy, high-performance green homes. We want to make this a standard way of building because it’s the responsible way to build,” he said.

From site selection and precast foundation walls to optimum value framing techniques and spray foam insulation, nothing goes without scrutiny in this process.  The buildings feature green roofs, solar panels and smart home automation that controls lighting, security, audio-visual and HVAC. The developers are on a pilot program with the City of Philadelphia to construct sidewalks with new material called porous pavers. Lehmann explained the aggregate material is held together with a polyurethane binding that allows water to flow through the paving and perks into the natural water table.

The green roof literally has grass and shrubbery on the rooftop, according to Lehmann. “There are different levels of green roofs for the buyer to choose. The benefits of green roofs include extending the roof life, reducing the urban heat island effect, cleaning the air and helping to manage storm water runoff. The additional living space on the roofs provides spectacular views of the city,” she added.

Sheldon Crossing will feature 20 homes with prices beginning in the $700,000 range. They average 3,700 square feet and the model is expected to be complete this fall.

These homes do not have an ultra modern look, like many energy-efficient homes. “They have a look that will appeal to a wider range of consumers,” Plessett said. “They’ll fit into the surrounding neighborhood.”