Windtree by Beazer Homes: Setting the Standard With Zero-Energy Homes

Throughout its nine generations of existence, Beazer Homes’ purpose has been to create durable and growing value for customers, employees, partners and shareholders. As one of the few pioneers in the building industry when it comes to green building, Beazer recently committed to delivering 100% of its homes certified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Zero Energy Read Home (ZERH) program by 2025.

On average, a Beazer home achieves a HERS score that is 35% better than homes built to energy code requirements,” said Beazer Nashville Metropolitan Area President Geoff Hart.

“This means built-in savings for customers who can expect lower energy bills in addition to superior quality, comfort, and healthier living.”

Headquartered in Atlanta, Beazer has a footprint in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. The builder focuses on single-family homes, townhomes and age-restricted 55+ homes under the sub-brand Gatherings.

Beazer’s energy-efficient commitment is also evident in its Tennessee operations. The company is the first publicly traded production builder in the state to deliver 100% ZERH communities. The first ZERH-certified, Nashville-area home was located in its community of Waverly and was closed in August 2023.

With Waverly now sold out, Beazer has its eyes focused on its newest project of Windtree, a single-family home community that will have 366 units at build-out. The project is located in the northern part of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Zoned for highly-rated schools, Windtree provides homeowners with easy access to nearby attractions, such as downtown Nashville.

“Windtree provides the latest in Beazer’s Energy Series READY homes with luxury amenities inside and out,” Hart said. “We draw inspiration from the community’s previous life as a golf course.”

Windtree offers eight floorplans in total with three to five bedrooms and 2.5 to 4.5 baths. The Estate series floorplans range from 2,932 square feet to 3,757 square feet. The Signature series floorplans range from 2,531 to 2,884 square feet.

With pricing set from the $570,000s to the $730,000s, homes at Windtree are popular with an array of demographics, including soon-to-be empty nesters looking to downsize and young buyers with growing families. 

Achieving the DOE ZERH standard is no simple task and some of the challenges to meet those requirements depict that narrative.

“The major challenge for our local Nashville team was innovating beyond our well-established construction practices to meet a new standard of energy efficiency,” Hart said. “To be successful, we’ve deepened relationships with trades who share our excitement about innovation in the construction process.”

One specific change the team had to make was its approach to air leakage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, air leakage accounts for 25% to 40% of a home’s heating and cooling energy use. 

With the expertise of Aeroseal Envelope staff and a local installer, Music City Air Barrier in Nashville, the team has been able to improve its overall air sealing practices. For example, the team identified areas prone to leakage, determined how this leakage could be avoided and helped establish best practices for using the AeroBarrier product. 

“(Air sealing) improves the durability of the home, and eliminates the potential for mold growth,” Hart said. “A tighter seal also means a quieter home, better indoor air quality, and less insect intrusion.”

One aspect the Beazer team is also ecstatic about is the inclusion of induction cooktops in the homes at Windtree. The cooktop technology provides a more consistent temperature for even and accurate cooking. It’s also safer because there’s no open flame, and once a pot or pan is removed, it begins to cool immediately.

“One of the most exciting features we’re bringing to Windtree homeowners is the Whirlpool built-in induction cooktop,” Hart said. “It is included at no additional charge, so Windtree homebuyers can take their kitchen (and cooking) to the next level.”

Some of the other green features the homes at Windtree include are 2″ x 6″ advanced exterior framing with R-21 insulation; LP TechShield installed in attics to provide superior insulation to increase thermal resistance; and a whole house fresh air system with Broan Energy Recovery Ventilator to bring fresh air in while exhausting stale air out.

Aside from the energy-efficient perks, Windtree offers resort-style amenities for its residents. The community will feature a community clubhouse with a fitness center, pool, playground, sports court with pickleball and, to honor the heritage of the site, a frisbee golf course.

While Beazer’s national operations continue to move the green needle forward, its Nashville team has demonstrated a proactive approach to innovating the homebuilding industry. With its rigorous ZERH-certified homes and the introduction of induction cooktops, Beazer is proving why it’s a staple in the green industry. 

 

Brian Alvarado is editor at large for Green Home Builder.