These new single-family housing developments for multi-hundred acre sites in Wisconsin are designed for a new era of more socially conscious living. Most housing is designed according to three basic criteria: aesthetics, performance, and cost. But these criteria are no longer adequate. To sensibly interpose this new single-family housing development with nature, Cordogan, Clark and Associates is designing new "green" or passive solar homes that are environmentally intelligent and market appropriate.

Prototypical house designs incorporate the highest aesthetic standards while utilizing current low-energy techniques. Appropriate floor plan layouts, solar orientation, and roof overhangs allow desirable passive solar heating in colder months while preventing undesirable heat gain in summer. The south facades are more open for natural light, solar energy, and views, while towards the north the facades are more closed. Floors adjacent to the south facade are conceived as heat sinks to absorb and store heat gained during the day, and release it at night. The environmentally intelligent design of these homes greatly reduces their heating and cooling loads. Additional solar panel upgrades make it possible that all lighting, heating, and cooling of these homes interiors can be powered by solar panels.

Integrating these new homes with their natural environment is another aspect of this development. Much acreage features beautiful existing landscaping including rivers and lakes. This environment is being preserved and augmented to the fullest extent possible. This development favors native and drought-tolerant perennials and landscaping. The new houses are sited to respect the landscape. Existing lakes are to be used as heat sinks for natural heating and cooling of adjacent homes.

The development favors sustainable, recyclable materials and eco-friendly construction practices.