Week 1: An Introduction

On Friday, March 20, 2009, I got the opportunity to interview Michelle Parker and Derek Cruz of Harmony at CenterStone Estates. Harmony is the first solar community in San Bernadino County.

EH: What sets Harmony apart from traditional communities?
M: Um... it's the first solar community in San Bernadino county, recycles construction site waste, which no other builder [that I'm aware of] offers, and we offer the rain water collectors.

EH: What is the roof constructed of?
M: Its constructed of plywood, black wrap [a moisture barrier], fireproof tiles, and radiant barrier, which helps deflect the sun's rays so that it keeps the house cooler in the summer. Since it keeps the house cooler, you don't have to turn the air conditioning up as much.

EH: I read in your brochure that you use solar electric systems. What are the benefits?
M: The solar system is the only feature of a home that will raise its value. On average, its value will go up 7% per year, but companies are planning on raising it to 17% per year, starting now. It [the system] produces electricity before using energy from electric companies. It contributes to the environment, but doesn't work at night.

EH: If a homebuyer chose to have the rainwater collection bins, what would they use the rainwater for?
M: NOT drinking water. For watering the lawn, or flowers, you know, stuff like that.

EH: Is that the composter bin over there?
M: Yes. You just throw weeds or other yard or organic waste into it.

EH: What is recycled from the construction site? What is it used for?
M: Rocks. Since there's so many rocks in the Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana area, the builders dig up the rocks while developing the land, wash them off, and use them for yard decoration.

EH: What kind of green interior options are available?
M&D: Recycling bins, low VOC paint, tank less water heaters, no formaldehyde.
[There was a question about flooring which had to be investigated. The response from designer Lucy Anderegg came via email]

LA: Yes. We have many different flooring options in regards to the "Green Movement". We have the Polyester yarn that has been created from recycled Bottles. We also have a greener option with yarn that can continue to be recycled when they are done with it.

EH: Is CenterStone Estates going to open more Green communities after Harmony is finished?
M: Yes. The CEO, Hal Woods has taken this very much to heart. CenterStone Is not part of the stock exchange, and not owned by public builders. He [Hal] did a lot of research, and decided that this is how builders should build.

EH: I noticed that Harmony is conveniently located within walking distance of a few shopping centers. Was it planned?
M: Yes. When builders are making final decisions on what land to buy, they take it into consideration to how much it will cost to develop land, especially if there are waterlines nearby, and look at how much it will cost to bring them in if there are none. They make sure the community is close to the freeway for commuters, schools, and look at the average income of the people living there. Most families are busy, so they want to get to stuff quickly. Harmony is 2 mi. from the closest metro link.

EH: Thank you, it was very informative.
M: Thank you! I'm glad we could answer your questions.