July 27, 2015
Contributed Art/Onionflats.com
The Thin Flats complex in Northern Liberties was the first residential duplex project in American to be LEED Platinum certified.
The most exciting challenge facing designers and architects today is finding ingenious ways to build sleek, beautiful properties with the lowest possible carbon footprint.
Solutions like plant-covered “green roofs,” solar power and water reclamation systems are becoming more common, but it’s still tough to find a home that’s totally green.
Take a look at the homes bellow – three out of four are certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the most widely used rating system in the world for eco-friendly properties.
1. Svelte and sustainable townhouse in Northern Liberties, $724,900
(Photo courtesy of Estately)
The “Thin Flats” complex made history as America’s first Platinum-certified residential duplex project, the highest possible ranking. The award-winning design made use of tons of natural light to reduce lighting costs, solar thermal power for hot water, and in-floor hydronic radiant heat for warmth. This unit features three bedrooms, each with its own deck, and access to a private roof garden. The garden serves a purpose too: It absorbs heat and saves rainwater for irrigation purposes.
See the listing here.
2. Platinum-level rehab in Fairmount, $1,099,000
(Photo courtesy of Zilllow)
This building also represents a milestone: the first rehabbed home in Pennsylvania to get Platinum LEED status. Located just a couple of carbon footprints from the Art Museum, this two-bedroom townhouse is generally gorgeous, but also holds some serious environmental cred. A sample of its eco-feature: solar panels that generate almost half the home's electricity; argon-filled, double-pane windows; two green roofs; and a closed-loop grey water reclamation system saves over 5,000 gallons of water per year.
See the listing here.
3. Chill condo in Fishtown, $320,000
(Photo courtesy of Zillow)
As part of Phase 3 of the LEED-certified Ice House condo development, this 1-bedroom corner unit won't be available until early 2016. It's worth the wait, though, as you'll be getting features like oak floors, floating steel stairs, a balcony and a private green roof. You'll also have access to the common grounds, which include a rooftop dog park and a koi pond (filled with recycled rainwater, of course).
See the listing here.
4. Raise the roof in Northern Liberties, $549,000
(Photo courtesy of Zillow)
You'll be able to enjoy 360-degree views of Northern Liberties from the private deck of the green roof in this three-bedroom, three-bath home. A little under 2200 square feet, residents will be able to enjoy the sultry maple flooring and the kitchen outfitted in high-end Energy Star Appliances.
See the listing here.
