SPF Industry News

AARP and NAHB Name Four Unique Homes and Developments
to be 2009 Livable Communities Awards Winners

WASHINGTON—Convenience and cachet combine naturally in the home and community designs named the 2009 Livable Communities Award winners by AARP and the National Association of Homebuilders. The winning projects represent unique combinations of style, universal design, and energy efficiency.  AARP and NAHB established the annual Livable Communities Awards to recognize homes and developments designed to enhance the daily comfort, convenience, and safety of the people who live in them.

“AARP cosponsors the Livable Communities Awards to demonstrate that Americans’ lifetime love affair with our homes can be reciprocated by beautiful lifetime homes in every style that incorporate effortless comfort, convenience and flexibility to adapt to our families’ needs at every age,” said Elinor Ginzler, the AARP senior vice president for livable communities. “The 2009 winners lead a growing movement toward ever more user-friendly and energy-efficient homes and communities designed with award winning style.”

“Every year the Livable Communities Award winners push the boundaries of what can be done to improve the comfort and ease of use of homes and communities,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a builder from Tulsa, Okla. “These winning projects show us that universal design concepts can be integrated into beautiful homes.”
The Builder Award (greater than 2500 square feet) went to Yorkshire Enterprises LLC for a North Morningside Craftsman in Atlanta, Ga. The home’s high-end finish and universal design helps it blend in with neighboring 1920s-era homes while functioning as a modern, easily accessible establishment for the aging community.  Energy efficiency is integrated into the home with bio-based spray foam insulation, high-efficiency water heaters and easily programmable thermostats. The floor plan, extra wide halls and doors make for easy access moving around the home. Convenient amenities such as light switches, outlets and thermostats are lowered making for a comfortable and livable environment.

The 2009 AARP and NAHB Livable Communities Awards recognize forward-looking builders, developers, and architects for award winning designs that demonstrate energy efficient, convenient and comfortable residential living for people of all ages and abilities.

For more information contact: AARP, www.aarp.org/homedesign.