Challenges

We have to find ways to promote, educate, and engage the average homebuyer with the area’s first-ever truly sustainable community. There has never been a 2,000 acre, master-planned community designed with an innovative GeoGrid system – or one that offers zero energy capable homes at such an affordable price in the United States. The concept was completely unknown and is much more complicated than a traditional community.

Strategy

• Education is key! As the developer pioneers a new way to develop communities, getting governmental approvals, and builder buy-in – we continue to modify our strategy and content to promote positive awareness.
• Provide comprehensive information about a community-wide GeoGrid, solar PV, smart home tech and zero-energy capable homes from the low $200s
• Start big picture with the need for sustainability and innovation, explain the technology built into the ground and every home in order to make them zero energy capable, and describe the full array of lifestyle and health-focused amenities offered that make this community sustainable for both homes and families.
• Emphasize the importance of sustainability at an affordable price, environmental sensitivity, and an investment for the future.

Results

It was exceedingly difficult to find builders willing to adjust product and change the way they build homes to join this community. The community opened with only 1 builder in Fall 2017, adding a 2nd builder in Q2 2018. 2018 was the year to prove the sustainable concept: delivering zero-energy capable homes using a never-before-seen geothermal delivery system in addition to the lifestyle expected in this new MPC. By fall 2018, 80 homes were sold and builders could see real evidence that the concept was viable and truly the future of sustainable homebuilding. Three additional builders were added (total of 5) – selling the rest of Phase 1 and all of phase 2 – ensuring the success of this one-of-a-kind community for years to come.

Whisper Valley won numerous awards both locally and nationally for 2018 Best New Community in Austin; 2019 Best Sustainable Community and Green Innovation of the Year Grand Award by Green Builder Magazine on a national level.