Anna's Farm takes its name from Anna Waneka Thomas, a hearty, independent character right out of the Old West who had a cattle farm on the site. Her farm has been transformed into a 20-plus acre community consisting of 192 homes and townhomes.

The project, located about 15 minutes north of Denver, is being built and developed by Wonderland Homes, a builder who has been active in the area for over 40 years. The company has a proud affiliation with Built Green [http://www.builtgreen.org/] and Energy Star Rated Homes of Colorado [http://www.energystar.gov]—and the homes built at Anna's Farm reflect this commitment.

More Green. Less Lumber.
Over 90 percent of the trusses and joists in floor and roof areas consist of engineered lumber instead of solid lumber. Exterior wall cladding is made from OSB (faster-growing content) rather than plywood, and interior doors consist of reconstituted or recycled content. Wonderland also uses fully- or partially-recycled wallboard, low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint and other finishes, and pours a foundation containing at least 15 percent Western coal fly-ash concrete. Fly-ash is a byproduct of coal burning power plants that would otherwise go into landfills. It has also been proven to make a stronger foundation.

For energy efficiency, the homebuilder installs Low-E vinyl windows as standard equipment on all of its homes. The company also uses 100 percent formaldehyde-free cellulose blown insulation, known for its high R-value, in exterior walls. Wonderland incorporates an advanced sealing package for the home's envelope to further maximize efficiency.

A Tight Fit and Finish
An independent energy auditor is even brought in to test every home nearing completion and certify that it meets Energy Star energy standards. A "blow door test" is also performed to ensure that the home's infiltration is less than .35 air changes per hour. The tighter a home is built, the more energy efficient it is—an important consideration, especially for the Rockies. Furnaces, fireplaces and fixtures are carefully selected to optimize indoor air quality and energy stewardship. Energy-efficient appliances are available to homeowners as well.

The homes at Anna's Farm use a full complement of HardiePlank™, HardiePanel™, HardieSoffit™ and HardieShingle™. The sustainable, fiber cement components will span generations in terms of performance, minimizing the need for maintenance and replacement materials. The Hardie products help the neighborhood achieve a traditional flavor—of which Anna herself might even approve!

The look and feel of the James Hardie materials "fits our community," says Cheryl Beck, Marketing Specialist for Wonderland Homes. "We're more of a neighborhood than the large developments around us," she says. Beck also points out that the Hardie material holds paint well, creating a superior foundation toward a more colorful community. It’s an added benefit being discovered by more and more builders across the country.

Anna's Farm is approximately 75 percent complete. Beck anticipates that the project will sell out by early 2008. Models range from 1,158 square feet up to 2,294 square feet. While centrally located to schools, shopping and highways, Beck says the development is set back off the highway and is located on the highest point in Lafayette, giving residents "a quieter community and glorious views."

Prices at Anna's Farm start from the low $200's for duplex units, and the mid $200's for rowhomes. Single-family homes are selling from the upper $200's.

For more information on Anna's Farm, go: here.

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