 Blue Vista is an award-winning, “built green”, mixed-income community of 198 single family, duplex and triplex homes. Phase I has 79 units varying in size from 580 square-feet, one-bedroom condominiums to 1,500 square-feet, four-bedroom duplex townhouses. The project was designed to be a mixed-use community which was focused on sustainability. Colorado is a state very geared to being eco-friendly and this project shows it.
Located adjacent to open space, and a planned 50-acre park, Blue Vista exemplifies smart growth principles. Bike and walking paths lead to nearby shopping areas and other neighborhoods. A bus stop is across the street and major highways are close by. All homes include front porches facing the tree-lined streets. Landscaping includes low water plantings and perennials to provide foliage and color while keeping water usage low. All appliances, building materials, and construction methods have been chosen to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The Blue Vista development has been recognized for excellence in planning and green building. It was awarded the 2008 Green Development Project of the Year Award for Single Family Homes by the National Association of Home Builders, as well as the 2007 Chapter Award for Outstanding Project by the American Planning Association Colorado Chapter.
Blue Vista sets the standard for green building in affordable housing. The energy performance rating for these homes is at the highest tier of efficiency for Built Green communities. Some of the many green features include:
- High efficiency (92%) furnaces
- Wet blown cellulose insulation: recycled newsprint
- Carpets and carpet pads use 80 percent recycled content
- Low VOC sealants and caulks throughout
- Energy Star rated low-E and argon-filled windows
- Construction waste recycled on site
- Energy Star appliances and compact fluorescent bulbs throughout
- HERS (Home Energy Rating System) is 67, 33 better than conventional homes
- Winter utility bills for gas and electric average $60 to $70 per month
- Homes earned 195 points with Built Green Colorado Program of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver -- 70 points are required to be enrolled in the program
- All water fixtures are the most efficient of their type
- Lawns watered with pop-up rotor heads; plants watered with non-spray subsurface drip irrigation
- Ventilation systems ensure clean outside air is supplied to all units
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