Energy Efficient Homes From the Start

As The Sonders Project kicks off, learn how Thrive Home Builders has designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. 

Green Builder Media and Thrive Home Builders have joined forces on The Sonders Project, a carbon-neutral 220-home community in Fort Collins, Colo. 

Thrive recently hosted a “dusty boots tour” to show off the progress and explain the sustainability intricacies that make these homes so unique.

I had the opportunity to interview Bill Rectanus, Chief Operating Officer, and Gene Myers, Chief Sustainability Officer, about the age-targeted, sustainable community. They explained how the homes are designed for active adults, enabling them to stay in their homes longer. 

The single-level floor plans and wide doors and hallways abate future mobility and aging concerns, and two primary bedrooms make it possible for a caregiver or relative to move in.

During the interview, Rectanus explained how the framing process for these homes differs from a traditional build. “In a lot of homes, you think that more framing is better–but that's actually the opposite. You can really minimize the amount of lumber you put into a home and therefore maximize the insulation.” He also described the techniques Thrive uses to reduce the energy consumption in homes and maximize the solar systems.

This pattern of efficiency and thoughtfulness will continue to be a pattern throughout the construction of the homes at Sonders Fort Collins.