Pahlisch Homes moves toward 'green' with Sisters subdivision

Pahlisch Homes is creating what is probably the most green subdivision to yet appear in Sisters. Called SaddleStone, the new subdivision is located at the end of East Black Butte Avenue.

The subdivision will contain 85 homes priced from approximately $350,000 to $600,000, although some adjustments may be made to reflect market trends. Work is already proceeding on infrastructure development, and the first homes are not far in the future.

"We expect to break ground on our first home there sometime around mid-September," said Brian Bergler, vice president of corporate communications for Pahlisch Homes.

All of the homes constructed in SaddleStone will feature hybrid heating systems that allow the switching back and forth between gas and electricity at the push of a button. If the heating costs are less expensive with gas, the owner can use that alternative; if electricity is less expensive then that would become the natural choice.

The SaddleStone development marks the first time that Pahlisch Homes has created a community that will feature all hybrid homes. The hybrid dual fuel system has, however, been offered as an option on Pahlisch Homes in the past. SaddleStone is the first planned development in Central Oregon that incorporates hybrid heating systems as a standard feature.

The company has concerns about the future of energy and its costs. Increasing energy costs are sure to place additional burdens on homeowners, and this factor has weighed in heavily on the decision by Pahlisch Homes to turn green.

"The energy crisis doesn't show signs of slowing. As a builder committed to our homeowners and the environment, we need to be giving our homeowners the ability to choose the most efficient way to heat and cool their homes based on the most cost-effective source" stated Josh Pahlisch, vice-president of production.

Early this year Pahlisch Homes switched from standard insulation to a blown-in cellulose product. The insulation is created from 100 percent recycled material and brings homeowners a higher level of fire protection and noise reduction than conventional fiberglass insulation. The cellulose product also raises the level of energy efficiency, and with the inclusion of the dual fuel system the hybrid home was created.

As the company finds new ideas that can add to efficiency, they are incorporated into the design.

"We will be building all the foundations using ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) concrete construction. All the appliances will be Energy Star, and the building envelope will be weather safe," said Bergler.

Another aspect in which Pahlisch Homes is different in Sisters is in its relationship with the city.

"We had a Planned Unit Development that went through the review and approval process last year. Our experience was that staff was professional, rigorous in upholding the code standards and that the planning commission and city council were fair in their application of standards and handling of the process," said Terri Valiant, the Pahlisch Homes planning manager.

Pahlisch Homes has developed a green philosophy that they are calling Balanced Living.

"It is the approach that we take to the whole development process. Balanced Living is taking a responsible, practical and sustainable approach to the development of the land, the building of the home and the creation of amenities that will promote an active and healthy lifestyle," said Bergler.

Recycling and the reduction of environmental impact is important to the company and touches Sisters at the local level.

"Our approach also involves the use of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints so that the homeowner can maintain the look of their home for a long period of time while reducing off gases which deplete the ozone. We also use engineered lumber and trusses that have a low wood waste count. Another Balanced Living approach is our S.m.a.r.t. Build program where usable material is returned to PARR lumber or used in the Habitat Re-Store," said Bergler.

For more information visit http://www.PahlischHomes.com.