Builder’s Meridian Crossing townhomes first in state to achieve NAHB‘s top certification
By Carol Kipp
The Reybold Group was committed to green building practices and energy-efficient homes well ahead of the current trend. This builder’s mandate to follow strict construction guidelines far exceeds minimal county standards. But when the National Association of Home Builders published their standards for green construction in early 2009, it was like throwing down a gauntlet. Reybold decided to aim for the gold—the highest of three certification levels. They were determined to settle for nothing less than the best.
And so it was no surprise when last month the builder’s first two Meridian Crossing townhomes were awarded green certification at the Gold Level, the second homes in Delaware to achieve that status and the first townhomes. Nationally, they are among the first 100. The Meridian Crossing homes did more than just meet the gold-level standards; true to form, they exceeded them by 65 points. Credit for this achievement also goes to JCM Environmental, a local group that acts as an advocate for the environment and green-construction guide to builders looking for cost-effective ways to achieve sustainability.
This newly conferred award can only be good news for buyers who want to dramatically reduce energy costs, live in a healthy indoor environment and invest in a home built to last. Reybold is committed to gold-certification standards for every Meridian Crossing townhome. And even though geothermal heating and cooling and solar electric are not required at the gold level, in this community they are standard features. Reybold is the first builder in New Castle County—possibly even the first in the state—to include renewable-energy systems in the base price. Experts maintain that a geothermal system will reduce heating and cooling costs by 60 to 70 percent, and that solar panels will significantly offset the cost of electricity.
At Meridian Crossing, conveniently located on a quiet byway off Rt. 40 in Bear, the value runs deep because so many energy-saving features are standard. The list includes 2-by-6 exterior framing that boosts wall insulation to R-19 (instead of the usual R-13) and ceiling insulation to R-38 (instead of R-30). Water-saving features include dual-flush toilets with full- and half-flush options, plus low-flow water faucets that do not diminish the pressure. Reybold also installs bathroom fans timed to go off automatically and also help circulate indoor air, motion sensors on outdoor lighting, and a host of Energy-Star approved features, from appliances and ceiling fans to light fixtures, water heaters and windows. An optional electric fireplace fools the eye into thinking it’s wood-burning.
The goal of The Reybold Group is to be the best green builder in Delaware, which explains the commitment to state-of-the-art energy efficiency systems and carbon footprints reduced by as much as 45 percent. That same pride is reflected in the overall community.
An impressive boulevard entrance introduces a site plan with winding streets, stacked stonewalls, trees and flowering plants. The recently completed clubhouse features an interior with Manhattan sophistication and amenities that include a social gathering room with big-screen TV, great room with gourmet kitchen, fitness center, media center and Internet-ready business center, plus a conference room and men’s and women’s changing rooms. Tot lots, baseball and soccer fields are installed as well.
The four models available live up to the status level of the community. Stately historic-inspired facades are the prelude to more than 2,300-square feet of finished living space on three levels. Open-floor-plan designs reflect a very modern sensibility. Three of the models have rear-access, oversized garages; all of them have flexible floor plans—two bedrooms instead of three and a kitchen in the front or the rear. Count on a maintenance-free rear deck on the main level, two full and two half-baths, a kitchen island with breakfast bar, a family room on the lower level, security system, and a concrete rear patio on homes with a front-entry garage.
Prices start in the $270s, but if you factor in energy-cost savings and included features, the value is greater than with lower-priced homes of comparable size. And the difference in overall monthly cost is negligible. In Meridian Crossing, The Reybold Group is building the home of tomorrow today.
Meridian Crossing/The Reybold Group
Press release/July 11 News Journal
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