When we walk around a suburban neighborhood, what do we notice? Streets filled with very similar looking single family homes, two cars (if not more) in the driveway and a few parks and green spaces sprinkled around for good measure. Let us not forget that getting to a store, bank or any other commercial establishment means taking the car.
This has been the norm for years when designing new communities, however, a new movement in design has been changing things up. The New Urbanism movement has a different take on what a neighborhood should be.
The New Urbanism movement has been around since the 1980s, however, is has seen significant growth in the past few years. Why has interest shifted? Awareness, for one. As new generations, which are much more eco-conscious, are becoming first time homeowners they are looking at ways to lessen their impact on the environment.
The New Urbanism movement promotes the return to the traditional town, where you can walk everywhere and leave your car at home. The layout of these towns is thoroughly thought out; homes, commercial spaces and parks are all in walking distances from each other usually in a grid formation. The goal of such a design is primarily to improve the quality of life of the community as a whole from a social, environmental and personal stand point.
In order to further the positive impact on the environment, architects and builders in the movement seek eco-friendly building materials. Although vinyl siding was long overlooked in the environmental category, green builders are taking a second look due in part to its little to no waste in manufacturing. They also take into consideration the efficiency in transporting this lightweight material, the less weight the truck carries equals less fuel consumption, less emissions. Let’s not forget that at the end of its life vinyl siding can also be recycled where areas permit. Find out more about KP’s commitment to the environment here.
When selecting materials for New Urbanism towns another factor to consider is maintenance. Low maintenance building products are highly sought after as they will require little upkeep, therefore improving the quality of life of the community by freeing up their time. KP offers peace of mind by providing a limited lifetime warranty on its products as well as a 25 year fade resistant warranty on its deep, rich colors.
This brings to light the biggest change in vinyl siding : color! They used to say vinyl siding was 50 shades of beige, well no more! Due to technological advances, KP offers a vast array of colors which architects and designers can easily mix and match with a variety of materials to add visual interest to commercial and residential buildings, creating a community rich in color.
As eco-consciousness keeps increasing and the work/life balance keeps shifting, we are sure to see New Urbanism towns pop up across the country and we are proud to offer a sustainable as well as an eco-friendly product to help propel such a great endeavor.