RANCHO MIRAGE (Calif.) - Seclude, a new luxury enclave of just four expansive estates, is the first in California to use the highly energy-efficient, earthquake-resistant Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks that some day may become the blueprint standard for all new "green" construction of homes and commercial buildings.

The four contemporary homes environmentally-designed by award-winning architect Narendra Patel Architecture of Rancho Mirage, have square footage ranging from 4,250 to 4,750 square feet with four or five bedrooms.

Prices are $2.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.25 million. One estate has already been sold, said Bruce Blomgren of Dyson & Dyson Sotheby's International Realty, the exclusive broker for Seclude. For more information, and to arrange a tour please call 760-779-1653 or email bruce@bruceblomgren.com

Developer Charles Knief a well known civil engineer, said Seclude uses "cutting edge green construction" with AAC blocks, touted as the world's most innovative building material. Lighter than concrete, AAC blocks are composed of cement, lime, sand, water but mainly consist of air.

"ACC is an ultra light concrete masonry product that doesn't burn, is earthquake resistant and is a four-hour fire wall protecting your home," Knief said. "About 70 percent of homes in Europe are now using AAC blocks and we are the first to use them in California."

For desert dwellers, using AAC blocks make for truly energy efficient homes complimented by the fact the homes are in the Imperial Irrigation District zone and pay lower electricity rates.
The roofs at Seclude have an insulation rating of R-78, more than twice that required by California's Title-24 Energy Code, which allows for large window walls to take in views of the desert environment.

Designed for outdoor living, all rooms in the homes open to private patios and pool terraces, providing wondrous places to read, dine, sun or enjoy cocktails and conversation.

Key elements encourage the harmonious blending of indoor outdoor space. The main roof creates an illusion of open space to bring the outdoors in. Atrium courtyards are located deep within the plans, bringing in natural light and providing cross-ventilation. Solar tube skylights also provide natural light settings.

Every home has custom green-certified cherry wood cabinetry, green- certified commercial grade appliances, natural stone floors, shower surrounds and countertops, smart home wiring, and 14-foot ceilings in the great room.

The four estates are built of the AAC walls and recycled wood beams, which means there is less than one percent waste after construction, according to Knief.

"Green doesn't have to look ugly," said Knief. "We use lots of natural products like our plaster, which is recycled marble dust."

The use of AAC blocks, which are so light they float, could soon be the standard for desert homes and public buildings such as schools and hospitals, Knief said, especially because of the structural design to withstand major earthquakes.

Knief pointed out that a 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan demonstrated the durability of AAC. More than 5,000 AAC-built homes in Kobe withstood a massive quake with no damage.

"We were happy that the City of Rancho Mirage was forward thinking about using such energy efficient materials that is truly green construction, Knief said."

"You really get the idea how energy efficient they are when you can open the doors on a warm day with just the ceiling fans and you don't notice that the air conditioning is off," he said.

Visit the Seclude Website: www.SecludeRanchoMirage.com