Can luxury estates truly be ‘built green’? That is the question Colorado-based C&A Companies recently explored on behalf of its 16-site estate community, Tessa Mesa, in Castle Rock, Colo.
C&A Companies’ findings determined that not only is sustainable living feasible in Tessa Mesa, it’s likely possible at no or very little cost premium. The site’s natural characteristics make it innately conducive to sustainable features such as solar power, wind power, geothermal generation and other ‘green’ alternatives not typically found in luxury homes or estates.
“Tessa Mesa meets all the physical needs required for self-sufficiency in energy production as well as a large number of other sustainable features,” said Tom Coalson, C&A Companies’ Vice President of Commercial & Sustainable Construction. “This community offers an unparalleled opportunity for the upscale homeowner to take advantage of virtually every available sustainable design feature to reduce the carbon footprint of their home.”
Located in Douglas County just 15 minutes southwest of the Denver Tech Center, Tessa Mesa is a 600-acre gated development comprising 16 estate lots ranging in size from 35 to 41 acres. Its topography offers a unique mix of rolling hills, scenic buttes and open meadows atop a vast mesa that reveals head-on views of Rocky Mountain peaks. Tessa Mesa is bordered on the north by more than 600 acres of open space that includes an expansive trail system for recreational use. Most of its estate lots, which start at $695,000, have expansive, ready-to-build sites that make them ideal horse properties or family estates. Zoning allows for a primary residence and up to 2 guest houses, a barn and other outbuildings such as a sports pavilion.
Coalson noted the importance of hiring a builder who understands the art of offsetting cost premiums of green building. This can be done in part by applying more efficient construction means and methods, knowing what government tax and financial incentives are available for green-built homeowners and taking C&A Companies’ “zero-energy” design a step further to build an “energy-plus” home that actually produces more power than it consumes.
According to C&A Companies’ sustainable research team, it is possible that a Tessa Mesa estate, if built according to sustainable guidelines and standards, could reach zero-energy consumption or even “energy-plus” status.
“We anticipate that by utilizing 21st Century building techniques, energy consumption for these homes can be half that of similar luxury homes, continuing to enhance the all-natural standard of living,” said David Pretzler, Principal of C&A Companies. “With the advantages offered by this Front Range location, a significant portion if not all of each home’s energy needs can be met by onsite electrical generation.”
As of early February, 8 sites within Tessa Mesa are available. Those who purchase a Tessa Mesa site may elect to contract one of C&A Companies’ custom builders who are proficient in green-building practices or may work with their own pre-approved custom builder.
C&A Companies seeks to be among the first Colorado companies to develop a profitable yet cost-effective business model that will meet the market demands for green-built homes in a range of prices and architectural styles. The 15-year-old company was recognized in 2006 by INC. Magazine as No. 239 on its list of the 500 fastest growing, privately held companies in the United States, and made the list again in 2007. To learn more about C&A Companies, visit www.cacompanies.com.
To learn more about Tessa Mesa, visit www.TessaMesa.com or call 303-570-0267.
