We’re beyond thrilled to announce that Green Haven has been named Green Builder Media’s 2025 Green Home of the Year – General Excellence Winner!

At Red Tree Builders - Alair Asheville, we are always pushing the boundaries of sustainable homebuilding, and our latest project, Green Haven, is a testament to that commitment. Set in a tranquil riverfront community overlooking the French Broad River, Green Haven is a fully electric, high-performance home that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design.

TOUR THE HOME HERE

The Vision Behind Green Haven

This home was designed in collaboration with the homeowners and architect, with our in-house RT Design team leading the interior design. As the first custom home among 20 lots in this community, we wanted to create something that felt unique yet harmonious with its surroundings.

“The real inspiration came from the peace and tranquility of the community overlooking the French Broad River,” says Brandon Bryant, President and Owner of Red Tree Builders - Alair Asheville. “We designed the home to capture that serenity, crafting intentional moments on every level that reflect the homeowners’ lifestyle and enhance their connection to the natural beauty around them.”

The Technology That Sets Green Haven Apart

Green Haven is more than just a home—it’s a demonstration of the latest in building science. The home integrates:

• Geothermal heating and cooling for optimal energy efficiency.
• A custom solar panel and battery system featuring REC Alpha Pure solar panels, Enphase batteries, and inverters.
• A Span panel for advanced energy management, allowing homeowners to monitor and control power usage in real time.
• Broan Overture System for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which automates ventilation to ensure a healthy living environment.

Bringing all of these advanced systems together required innovative problem-solving. “This client was excited about cutting-edge technology, and their vision pushed us to explore new possibilities,” says Bryant. “We had to ensure everything worked seamlessly together—like configuring the geothermal system’s Intelstart to interact with the batteries during startup without draining them.”

Challenges & Breakthroughs

One of the biggest challenges was integrating so many sophisticated systems while maintaining seamless operation. Project Manager Taylor Bennett explains, “Coordinating with different manufacturers, troubleshooting technical issues, and aligning the systems to meet the homeowner’s expectations for efficiency and resilience added layers of complexity. But the process was also incredibly rewarding, as it allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in high-performance homebuilding.”

Another challenge came during the installation of geothermal vertical wells, which released large amounts of groundwater. To prevent runoff into the nearby river, the team designed temporary detention ponds to capture the water and silt. These ponds were later transformed into a permanent rain garden, reinforcing the home’s commitment to sustainability and stormwater management.

Green Haven Put to the Test

Shortly after receiving its Certificate of Occupancy, Green Haven faced an unexpected trial - Hurricane Helene. The home’s resilience was tested under extreme conditions, and it performed flawlessly.

“From the rain gardens to the solar panels with battery backup, every feature worked as intended,” Bryant recalls. “The Span panel allowed the homeowners to monitor power usage, prioritize circuits, and adjust accordingly. During one of the most devastating storms to impact our region, this home provided a safe haven—not just for the homeowners, but for their neighbors as well.”

What’s Next for High-Performance Homebuilding?

While Green Haven is a groundbreaking achievement, our team is already looking ahead. “If we were to build this home again, we’d focus on incorporating even more innovative products,” says Bryant. “We’re always looking for the next breakthrough in fresh indoor air systems, geothermal technology, and smart electrical panels.”

One key takeaway from this project is the importance of Smart Home Integration Consulting. Bennett explains, “Having a consultant dedicated to aligning the various systems—solar, electrical, HVAC, and low-voltage—would streamline communication and enhance efficiency. It’s something we’ll prioritize in future projects.”

Experience the Future of Homebuilding

Green Haven represents the next evolution in sustainable, high-performance home design. It’s a home that doesn’t just exist within its environment—it interacts with it, adapts to it, and protects its inhabitants from the unexpected. At Red Tree Builders - Alair Asheville, we’re committed to building homes that are not only beautiful but also intelligent, resilient, and ready for the future.

Read the full article in Green Builder Magazine HERE!