May 12 2009
University of California, Irvine students enrolled in "Developing Green and Sustainable Communities" recently toured The Gatsby Hollywood--metro L.A.'s first all solar, Certified California Green, Smarthome(TM) community. Twenty-year homebuilding veteran and Adjunct Professor, David Harding, teaches the course and identifies the communities to include in the class's Green and Sustainable Product Tours.
"We toured The Gatsby Hollywood because it's important to see how even small developments can use sustainable products and lessen the impact on the environment," said Harding. "We wanted to learn about The Gatsby's solar energy system. It's new technology and the solar panels themselves are discreet, as opposed to the older 'bolt-on' technology."
The Gatsby Hollywood's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Electric System uses integrated roof tiles to draw energy directly from the sun and convert it to electricity each home can use. "The Gatsby puts more energy back into the grid than it uses," Harding added.
Other sustainable features that interested the students include the dedicated power plugs for electric cars and the commitment to restore and deed to the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency the historic Orchard Gables Cottage located adjacent to The Gatsby.
According to Harding, the lesson tomorrow's California Green Builders can learn from The Gatsby is its holistic green building approach. "It's important for builders to not only equate green or sustainable with a lower energy bill," stated Harding. "Good, sustainable development is more than a tankless water heater or using recycled materials. Sustainable building should incorporate economic success with social responsibility and reduced environmental impact."
The Gatsby Hollywood's Model Home Grand Opens Thursday, May 28, with a cocktail party from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. As a ComfortWise(R), Certified California Green, and Smarthome(TM) Community, The Gatsby has minimal impact on the environment and features that greatly exceed California's stringent Title 24 Energy Code Standards. The 34 detached California Brownstones are in Hollywood near Sunset Boulevard. The community offers approximately 1,500-square-foot floorplans with two bedrooms, plus an office or flex space, three baths, attached two-car garages, and private rooftop decks.
Southern California-based MasterCraft Homes Group built The Gatsby Hollywood. Prices begin at $749,000 with no HOA dues and low down payment options.