A $10.4 million government construction project performed by Sundt for the General Services Administration (GSA) provides 21 new homes for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents in Ajo, Ariz. It is the GSA’s first project ever for new homes for CBP agents as well as the first LEED Platinum certified housing community in Southern Arizona – and perhaps the entire state. Ajo is located in a remote desert area about two hours’ driving distance from both Tucson and Phoenix.
The project’s original sustainability goal was LEED Silver, but the team, which included MFDB Architects, Inc., achieved Platinum by equipping the homes with solar panels and by employing green construction practices such as the use of recycled steel studs, regionally sourced concrete, and quartz countertops from a nearby stone quarry. LEED Platinum is the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest rating.
“The biggest factor in the rating was the fact that we installed four-kilowatt solar panels on each house; the housing design itself is also very efficient,” said Sundt Project Manager Kraig Hill. “The houses are long and narrow, with the long side facing north-south to help reduce sun exposure and heat gain throughout the day. There are also shading features built into the buildings. The homes’ long-term operating costs will definitely be lower because of the emphasis on energy efficiency and solar technology.”