Altair EcoVillage Concept

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  • The site is a short walk from the heart of historic Kimberton, a small village in the midst of a revival, centered on Kimberton Whole Foods, but with new shops, a performance center, and housing development planned.

  • Clustered, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood of 30 moderately-sized homes, well-built, insulated, and energy-efficient.

  • Extensive common facilities, including a 3,000 to 4,000 square foot Common House, featuring a large kitchen, dining facility, guest rooms, storage areas, laundry, library, meeting spaces, indoor-outdoor seating, central mail room, hobby and craft areas, community performance space, exercise room, offices, and much more. Residents’ use of the Common House allows for moderately-sized homes.

  • Four to five acres of open space, including play areas, community garden, woods, orchard, outdoor recreation, and landscaped areas.

  • Each home to feature private yard, handicap accessible design, kitchen, downstairs bathroom, living room, dining room, with one to three bedrooms.

  • Duplexes available, allowing for a limited number of rentals.

  • Reduced energy bills through Passive House design, with minimal heating and cooling, solar Photo Voltaic (PV) panels, water-conserving fixtures, shared internet system.

  • Low-VOC (low volatile organic compounds) materials and sustainable products for a healthy, safe environment.

  • Low-impact site development with pervious paving materials.

  • Remote parking with shared carts for daily errands, deliveries, or moves.

  • A cluster that is EMF and “chem-free,” with reduced EMF and toxics throughout the community.

  • Facilities designed, managed, and maintained by members.

  • Home Owner’s Association, fee simple (not condominium) arrangement with monthly fee controlled by members.

  • Common meals several times a week managed by residents.

  • Interactive social events and celebrations year-round fostered by the residents. Shared resources and healthy life-style open to all walks of life.

  • Community van pools for ride-sharing, errands, and connections to public transportation.

  • On a walking and biking trail system connecting the site with the French Creek watershed and adjoining woods, parklands, and fields.

  • Financial assistance options being explored through collaboration with traditional and non-traditional sources.

  • Average cost of the home (typical 2-bedroom): $360,000, with an estimated $50,000 of this for extensive “green” features.

  • Residents are “in it for the long haul” with very little turnover anticipated. This helps justify the payback period of the green features.

January, 2017