November 02, 2009

UGA Design Professor says Full Circle Project proved sustainability is not a passing trend

As we’ve mentioned over the last couple of months, Full Circle and J.W. York Homes collaborated with a UGA LEED-Certified Professor and her design students to design a spec home for The Cottages at Hilltop, a sustainable-concept community.
The class designed 1,400 to 1,800 sq ft, 3BR/2BA spec homes for the development that incorporates sustainable principles and follows LEED for Homes guidelines. They recently wrapped up the project.

"This was such an exciting learning experience for the students,” said UGA Assistant Professor, Megan Lee. “Because this was their first time working with sustainability, working within a real world simulation, and working with community professionals, the students had many necessary and beneficial experiences. They've begun to realize that sustainability is both a lifestyle and good design and not a passing trend in design.”

Dr. Lee continues, “I believe they've learned that sustainable design is as much about process of design and building as the products that are used. Most importantly, students learned to make decisions based on tangible restraints of budget, builder/client needs and sustainability. Also, being able to have professionals at their final project presentations increased their learning and experience by seeing their growing knowledge it valuable in the community.”

Full Circle Broker Patrick O’Brien attended the student's recent presentations at UGA and was thrilled with the final projects.

“Watching the student’s progress from the uncertain looks of our initial consultation, to the confident, enthusiastic, and professional groups that presented us with some amazing space use and design ideas that focused on both sustainability and budget was incredibly rewarding,” said Mr. O’Brien. “These students are the future of the industry and to see them express a passion for sustainable design is encouraging for the built environment.”

Dr. Lee agreed.

"Overall, the project was a great success! I feel so fortunate to have had this experience to work not only with JW York Homes, but also to work with Full Circle Real Estate,” she said. “It is imperative the future design and build teams involve collaborations between many community partners and this project demonstrated that is possible and can have great results."

To read Dr. Lee's blog and get more insight from the students who worked on this project, click HERE. If you want to know more about the homes for sale at The Cottages at Hilltop, contact Full Circle Real Estate Group at 706-621-4890.

UGA | Sustainability

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