Roswell, Georgia is getting a new solar-powered residential community. Weatherford Place will offer eight homes on 1.6 acres of land bordering Crossville Creek. The small community will be designed to supply its own energy. The development is going for platinum LEED certification for green building, which is the highest designation.

Each home uses passive solar design as well as solar panels and has low flow plumbing fixtures and a system to harvest and store rainwater. The energy generated by the homes goes out into the power grid and the power company credits the home for the power it produces. The homes are designed to use less energy than traditionally built homes. The homes come in several different styles offering 2,500 to 3,900 square feet of space. Each has an artist's studio with a full bath over the attached two-car garage. These homes are on the market starting at around $750,000 each.

[via The Atlanta-Journal Constitution]

Call it the Al Gore effect but lately I'm seeing eco-friendly everywhere. The latest luxury development, Celadon, is located in the Wesley Heights area of Charlotte, North Carolina. The development is said to be the city's greenest. It will consist of 24 townhomes ranging from 900 to 2,076 square feet. The condos site in a wooded area and have a modern look surrounded by trees which help with reducing stormwater runoff. Green features a light reflective roofing system to keep things cool, dual flush toilets, environmentally-friendly insulation, xeriscaping, bamboo floors and the use of concrete which is enhanced with fly ash, a by-product of coal-burning power plants. Prices at Celadon will range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$400,000s. Construction should begin in May and be done by early 2008.

[via Charlotte Observer]

Maluaka is a new development on Maui that offers high end luxury. The development is set on 11 acres with a golf course and will be home to 69 residences with views of the ocean. The architecture incorporates traditional Hawaiian design elements and native building materials and is also designed to "rest gently" on the landscape. The development is seeking LEED certification for sustainability and environmental performance as a green building site. Green details include dual flush toilets, low flow faucets and shower heads, a photovoltaic system for solar energy and the use of recycled materials. The homes have floors done in polished wood or tumbled limestone. The homes incorporate sliding floor-to-ceiling glass panels that separate the indoor living spaces from the large covered lanais which feature outdoor kitchens and room for entertaining or relaxing. The kitchens are stocked with high-end appliances and the homes have master bedroom suites with sitting areas, large closets and bathrooms with glass showers and large tubs. The homes are also wired for the wireless access and for sound, security and smart home systems. Ownership also includes membership in the Club at Maluaka. which includes luxury services such as a concierge, personal trainers, vinter programs and a wine tasting room, housekeeping, beach services, adventure guides and access to private jet fractional program. According to a recent article in the Real Estate Journal, the homes range from 2,500 square feet to 5,300 square feet in size and are expected to sell for from $3.75 million to $13.5 million making this the priciest green development I have seen yet.