The Upper Ridge – Expect the Best from Wright Builders

Energy-Savings / Design / Environmental Features and Benefits

Why Wright Builders is Different! Benefits for you…

  • Very low operating costs – achieved through Energy Star compliance, low HERS ratings and LEED testing and certification.
  • Convenient and direct access to Beech Tree Park.
  • Minimally vulnerable during power outages—our homes hold their heat and cooling.
  • Classic styling that has timeless value and appeal.
  • Partially finished basement walls and insulation (in townhomes) means completion for occupancy is easy and inexpensive.
  • Cleaned, refreshed and healthy indoor air with utilization of efficient air exchange system (Energy Recovery Ventilation).
  • Relative humidity levels can be maintained at 40% or higher, for optimal health results for people, pets and plants.
  • Drought-tolerant landscape plantings mean less maintenance and sustainable beauty.
  • Superb insulation levels provide lower indoor temperature fluctuation for greater comfort.
  • Wright Builders’ signature detailing for less sound transference between ALL units.
  • Sustainable practices create long term value for homes which perform well and will be economical far into the future, when energy costs will inevitably rise significantly.
  • The satisfaction of knowing that a long-term investment, enjoyed every day by family members, is also treading as lightly as possible on the planet.
  • Gas cooking with exhaust to the outdoors for all kitchens.
  • Gas parlor stoves available for those who want a touch of the traditional hearth.

Design Features

  • Professionally selected exterior color schemes.
  • Architecture by Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst, a distinguished and accomplished local firm.
  • Granite and solid surface counters throughout.
  • Local ash and red oak flooring installed with low VOC acrylic floor finish in living and dining rooms.
  • Composite decking.
  • No tropical hardwoods.
  • Standard frameless cabinet construction is 3/4” domestic plywood (with no added formaldehyde). With wood fronts and soft-close and dovetail drawers.
  • Many standard door styles in a variety of finishes on maple and clear alder with Waterborne VOC free finishes.
  • Professionally designed landscaping by Berkshire Design Group features meticulously selected plant materials for variety, seasonal color and year-round enjoyment.
  • Tile flooring in kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Carpeted bedrooms, stairs and halls with hardwood available.
  • Finish options and upgrades, along with minor interior layout changes available at extra cost.
  • Tile flooring in kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Carpeted bedrooms, stairs and halls with hardwood available.
  • Finish options and upgrades, along with minor interior layout changes available at extra cost.

Energy Saving Features

  • R-16.2 Insulated basement floor system with drainage and Radon treatment piping in place. (townhomes)
  • Basement walls have R-12 factory insulation, augmented with R-19 by Wright Builders, for an R-31 wall.
  • High-strength precast foundation system, insulated, and with interior drywall in place.
  • Triple glazed premium vinyl windows—R-4.5.
  • Low E argon-filled double glass for glazed doors, with options (townhomes) for storm and screen doors for maximum insulation.
  • Energy Recovery Ventilation technology exhausts air from baths and laundry, and salvages energy, distributing fresh air to the dwelling.
  • Energy Star 3.0 compliant.
  • Registered for LEED certification, with certification delivered approximately 90 days after completion of construction.
  • Estimated HERS ratings of 40 or lower.
  • 2×6 wall construction with full thermal break utilizing proprietary structural sheathing.
  • R-26.6 wall insulation, R-63 ceiling insulation.
  • Roof top solar PV (photovoltaic) deeded location in most buildings, subject to final site analysis.
  • Very high efficiency, VRV (Variable Refrigerant Valve), heat pumps, with wall cassettes placed for individual room control. SEER of 18 or greater.
  • High efficiency gas on-demand water heating.
  • Energy Star LED and compact fluorescent lighting.
  • Energy Star appliances.
  • Independent third party rating, monitoring and certification by the Center for EcoTechnology ensure outstanding performance and value.

Environmental Features

  • Hardi-plank siding utilizes recycled fiber.
  • Waste stream over 85% recycled by weight.
  • Low flow toilets and fixtures in all locations.
  • Extensive use of part-soy Demilac foam and recycled cellulose insulation throughout.
  • All non-VOC paints utilized in the interior.
  • High efficiency hot water heating.
  • ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation), with filtration and distribution.
  • Miratec, Boral and other exterior trim products with high recycled content.
  • Extensive use of engineered lumber products for framing and sheathing to optimize best forestry practices, minimize shrinkage, and control waste.