SENT Inc. Announces Completion of Affordable Net Zero Housing Design and Agreement with General Contractor
SENT Inc. is excited to announce the completion of the design phase for four affordable Net Zero homes and the signing of an agreement with Upright Construction, the selected general contractor, to move forward with construction. Bravo Ridge Development is the developer for this innovative project, with Helia Studio providing the design work. Flint Hills Renewable Energy & Efficiency Cooperative (FHREEC) is partnering with SENT to supply the solar energy systems for the homes, completing the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The new Net Zero housing design is adaptable to different neighborhoods, offering an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective solution to the region’s affordable housing challenges. One of the homes will be sold to a qualifying homeowner, while the other three will become rental properties, with rent capped at 30% of tenants’ incomes for the next 15-20 years. These rental units will be managed by the Topeka Housing Authority, ensuring long-term affordability for residents.
“These homes represent a significant milestone for our efforts to provide both affordable housing and environmentally sustainable solutions to families in Topeka,” said Johnathan Sublet, Executive Director of SENT Inc. “We’ve designed this model with flexibility in mind, so it can be adapted to different Shawnee County neighborhoods in the future. We’re proud to bring this vision to life, with a strong team including Bravo Ridge Development, Upright Construction, Helia Studio, and Flint Hills Renewable Energy & Efficiency Cooperative.”
Each partner is contributing valuable expertise to ensure the success of this project:
Upright Construction, the general contractor, will oversee the construction of the homes, ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Bravo Ridge Development is leading the development process, providing essential project management and helping to ensure the homes are designed and built with the needs of the community in mind.
Helia Studio, the designer, has crafted an innovative Net Zero design, integrating solar energy systems and energy-efficient technologies to help reduce residents' utility costs.
Flint Hills Renewable Energy & Efficiency Cooperative is providing the solar systems that will make these homes Net Zero, generating as much energy as they consume, further reducing utility costs for residents.
The Net Zero design means that each home will generate as much energy as it uses over the course of the year, thanks to an integrated solar energy system. This will allow residents to significantly reduce their utility costs, with the potential for zero electric bills for up to two-thirds of the year. Additionally, the homes have been designed with the cityscape and neighborhood characteristics in mind, ensuring that they blend seamlessly with the surrounding community while contributing to its ongoing revitalization.
The pricing model for these homes ensures that they are affordable for both new homeowners and tenants while also being financially sustainable for the organization. The goal is to create a system that allows for the continued development of mixed-income communities, ensuring long-term stability for future housing projects and ongoing growth in the region.
“We are thrilled to work with such a strong and collaborative team of partners, each contributing their expertise to make this project a reality,” said Johnathan Sublet. “With the general contractor, designer, and solar partner in place, we are poised to begin construction and bring these homes to life, with future plans to expand this model into other Shawnee County neighborhoods.”
The project is set to begin construction in early 2025, with the homes expected to be completed and available for sale and rent soon after. SENT Inc. invites the community to stay informed about the project and future opportunities by following SENT on social media (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn).
For more information about the project, please contact Johnathan Sublet at johnathan@senttopeka.com. For information about buying or renting, please visit this link.
