Development is underway at the upcoming Array neighborhood in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Array will be the state’s first 100% net-zero energy neighborhood, featuring 12 custom-built high-performance homes across 58 acres, according to developer Jodi Bakst, broker owner of Real Estate Experts and Circular Design Construction.
“We are focused on developing a net-zero energy community because residential and commercial buildings consume 40% of our nation's energy and 25% of our fresh water. We strongly believe that building sustainably is no longer just a good idea, it is a moral imperative,” says Bakst. “Array's net-zero energy homes will produce as much energy as they consume, as well as meet aggressive targets for water conservation and indoor air quality. Not only are these homes energy efficient with cost savings, they are healthy too."
All of Array’s homes will be designed by locally based green architects and builders. Each one will meet 100% net-zero energy standards, as well as the National Green Building Standards as certified by a third party. The homes’ design and construction will embrace sustainable design, development, and construction principles, according to the developer, including passive house design and photovoltaic solar arrays sized to meet the needs of each home.
The community’s architects, all based in Chapel Hill, include Arielle Condoret Schechter, AIA; Jay Fulkerson, Architect, PLLC; and Shaw Design Assosicates, P.A. Builders include Newphire Building and J. Hoffman Studio, based in Chapel Hill, and BuildSense, based in Durham.
The surrounding green space also will be developed to meet National Green Building Standards, and the community is pursuing Wildlife Friendly Development certification by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. Community features will include a central pond, walking trails, and a community garden.
Lots will range from 1.3 to 2.2 acres in size, and each will back onto open space. Four of the 12 lots are presently reserved. Prices for lots (pre-construction) range from $195,000 to $225,000.
