Meadow Ranch active adult community in Idaho touts green features

Idaho-based ActiveWest Builders recently completed its new sustainable, 80-home Meadow Ranch community for active adults in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The 12-acre site was formerly an urban in-fill lot designated for light commercial use, according to NAHB.

The 80 cottage-style homes come in sizes of 800, 1,500 or 2,200 square feet. They sport a wide variety of green or sustainable features, including:

- All construction materials came from recycled, locally sourced supplies
- All adhesives and paints were free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Storm water collection occurs entirely on-site
- All houses are LEED- and Energy Star-certified

These features and others helped Meadow Ranch win an Idaho Smart Growth & Green Building Award, while placing as a finalist in the Green category of NAHB’s Best of 50+ Housing awards for 2012.

Other design elements of the homes include zero-step entries, wide hallways, adaptable bathrooms and kitchens, and maintenance-free yards. The larger community features organic gardens, a network of walking/biking trails, a community center, and a seasonal farmers’ market. Meadow Ranch is in close proximity to area hospitals, shopping and other local amenities.

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