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GREEN SPACE: Building green for the rest of us

metromode, 8/28/2008

Reading an issue of Dwell or Metropolis might lead you to believe that sustainable architecture and design is the domain of the well-to-do that can afford installing a geothermal heating-and-cooling system, solar panels and dual-flush toilets. And that may be true to a degree.

But non-profit developers, architects and builders are finding ways to bring energy efficiency to low- and moderate-income housing. It all makes sense: an initial higher cost -- which can, sometimes, be offset by government and industry grants -- ultimately leads to lower utility cost over many, many years.

Seeing that rising utility costs can be the straw that breaks the elephant's back when it comes to the working class, energy efficient homes are awesome on many levels: for the environment, the stability of a neighborhood and a family's pocketbook.

Here are a few examples of such projects in Detroit proper:

There's the 38-unit Nailah Commons in Midtown, near the College for Creative Studies. Its units range from $105,000 to $135,000 and there will be a geothermal heating and cooling system. Developer Julio Bateau of Nailah LLC hopes to break ground next month.

Both Bagley Housing Association and and Greater Corktown Development Corp. have developed dozens of units of infill housing in their historic neighborhoods -- which is an urban -- and thus, sustainable -- act in itself. But both groups are kicking that commitment up a notch with their next development phases. The affordable housing will feature Energy Star appliances and have received consultation from WARM Training toward other elements of green building. Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp. and Habitat for Humanity are also now incorporating Energy Star appliances into their housing.

Another cool project planned for Detroit, called Exceptional Green Living on Rosa Parks, proposes using stacked shipping containers to create dense urban housing with a reasonable price-tag, starting at $100,000. The units will boast tank-less water heaters and exterior paint that increases insulation by reflecting or retaining heat. The financing for this project is being assembled; read more about it here.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Detroit