Solaris Collection at Daybreak Wins Residential Project of the Year

IRVINE, Calif., July 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture + Planning, based in California, and Garbett Homes of Salt Lake City, UT, announce that Utah's first truly affordable solar-powered and geothermal homes, the Solaris Collection at Daybreak in South Jordan, UT, has earned the highly-coveted Gold Nugget Grand Award for the Residential Project of the Year in the detached product category. The award was presented by PCBC to Garbett Homes and KTGY at the awards ceremony on June 28, 2012, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco and sponsored by BUILDER magazine. The award competition, which is the oldest and most prestigious design awards in the nation, is open to builders, developers, architects and land planners with projects in the United States and all international countries.

Built by Garbett Homes and designed by KTGY, Solaris is located in the award-winning mixed-use, sustainable planned community of Daybreak in South Jordan, developed by Kennecott Land. Solaris offers high-density ENERGY STAR rated single-family homes for cost-conscious, eco-minded buyer, from the low $200,000s. Unique to this price-point, Garbett Homes includes solar PVT (Photovoltaic Thermal) panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and a super-tight energy-efficient building envelope with HERS ratings under 40 in a Climate Zone 5, which saves residents up to 70% on their monthly utility bills. The homes' eclectic, modern exteriors with fiber-cement siding are used in unique ways not seen before in this market and a vibrant color palette add to the overall unique appeal. Garbett Homes has sold over 80 Solaris homes in Daybreak and recently received 14 new lots, which the company has started to sell.

In addition to the Gold Nugget Grand Award, Solaris was also awarded a Gold Nugget Award of Merit in the category of Single Family Detached Home - 1,700 to 2,500 sq. ft. Recently, Solaris received a Merit Award in the 2012 Residential Architect Design Award competition.

Garbett Home's TerraSol in South Salt Lake, a pioneering 60-unit urban infill development near downtown Salt Lake City, designed by KTGY, received a Gold Nugget Award of Merit in two categories: Green Sustainable Residential Community and Single Family Detached Home - under 1,700 sq. ft. All homes at TerraSol are ENERGY STAR rated and include as standard either photovoltaic solar and solar hot water or geothermal heating and cooling. TerraSol broke ground in August and all 60 homes were sold by April, without Garbett Homes building any spec homes.

"Garbett has done what no other builder has done; they have completed the loop from inside to the outside," said KTGY's John Tully, a principal and a founding partner of the California-based architecture and planning firm. "We took leading-edge solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and geothermal technologies that have traditionally only been found in expensive custom-built homes and made it work for an affordable production home. Its cover - bold, modern exteriors - amplifies the technology inside, and the inside matches the outside. We are excited about this next generation of housing at both Solaris and TerraSol."

"We have struck gold with fresh, modern, high-density single-family home designs from KTGY – wrapped in a super-green solar and geothermal standard feature package and high tech interiors at an attainable price for first-time buyers, empty nesters and just about everyone in-between. We can't build these homes fast enough," said Garbett Homes Marketing Director Rene Oehlerking. "Our buyers are really looking for something different in a sea of uninspiring brown French Country stucco boxes built without any consideration of energy efficiency or renewable energy generation."

"When people buy from Garbett Homes, they're not only buying a home, they're also buying into a lifestyle choice that allows them more flexibility with their time," said Garbett Homes President Bryson Garbett. "They are within walking distance from essential amenities and recreational activities. Maintenance-free landscaped areas, where their children or grandchildren can play surround them, and they can relax. They enjoy the benefits of 'locking and leaving' their home while they go on vacation, and knowing their investment will be completely maintained in their absence. Our homebuyers love this kind of freedom."  

"KTGY is committed to the understanding of the end-user and socio-economic trends and interpreting them through fresh, inventive design solutions that take advantage of their surroundings to create successful projects," Tully said. "Our designs are forward-thinking, yet grounded in the reality and viability of each specific project and each client's unique needs. We are thrilled that the Solaris Collection at Daybreak has been so well received in the marketplace and recognized as the Residential Project of the Year in the detached product category in the Gold Nugget Award program."

The oldest and largest program of its kind—now in its 49th year—the Gold Nugget Awards honor creative achievements in architectural design and land use planning for residential, commercial and industrial projects. Drawing more than 400 entries from the 14 western states and internationally, the Gold Nugget Awards program is the premier event of the annual PCBC, the nation's largest regional trade show and conference. See www.goldnuggetawards.com.  

About Garbett Homes

Garbett Homes has been building, marketing and selling award-winning communities for over 30 years. Garbett Homes' experience and longevity are only surpassed by its desire to impress each home buyer or renter with the best possible experience. Garbett Homes builds homes with style and class and strives to offer the most up-to-date technology and design available. Garbett Homes has built over 3,500 homes and apartments in more than 25 communities. Garbett Homes has won numerous "Community of the Year" awards issued by the National Association  of Home Builders and is currently selling homes in communities in Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Wyoming, Missouri and Mexico City. See www.garbetthomes.com.

About KTGY Group

Celebrating 20 years, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, market trends and financial performance and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.ktgy.com.

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