Earlier this month, we published our Residential Design Guidelines & Applications for Discovery West in Bend, Oregon. A collaborative effort, this new document can help builders, architects, potential residents and others understand the vision for our new community. The guidelines cover all the different types of residential construction. Design Guidelines for mixed-use, multi-family and commercial buildings will be added in the coming months. The end result will be a welcoming, inclusive neighborhood with a streetscape that is diverse, varied and attractive.
An Architectural Review Committee reviews and approves the design of all the homes and buildings, which contribute to the aesthetic for Discovery West. We are excited about how the community will take shape and to continue getting a peek at the beautiful homes that our Builders Guild members are planning to create.
Some of the features in the guidelines that are worth mentioning here include:
- All homes, mixed-use and multi-family buildings are required to be Earth Advantage® certified. This commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness are important elements of the vision for Discovery West.
- Fire prevention is a priority at Discovery West, and we are following the guidelines to become a Firewise/USA Community. A program of the National Fire Protection Association, Firewise/USA provides a series of measures that will reduce the potential and impact of wildfire. Some of these measures include formal risk assessment and prioritization of tasks, such as creating defensible space around each structure and employing fire-resistant building materials (such as roofing). We will be providing updates on these efforts as we progress with the development of the neighborhood!
- A wide variety of architectural styles are allowed, which will create the character and fabric of the community. Nine specific styles are called out in the guidelines, from craftsman to mid-century modern and from American farmhouse to Tudor revival. Builders may submit other styles and variations for review if desired.
We are pleased to share this important document as we progress closer to opening up residential sales in Discovery West. Establishing these guidelines is an important step in managing the design quality of our new neighborhood and our commitment to building a healthy, livable community, created with keen attention to detail.