Franklin NC Green Home is
Winner of a 2009 STARS Award for
Best Affordable Green Home

September 24, 2009

Franklin, NC — The North Carolina Home Builders Association is pleased to announce the winners of the annual STARS Awards, an awards program that honors builders, associates, realtors, and advertising professionals who make major contributions to the residential home building industry. Macon County’s First Certified Green Home won the category of Best Single Family Detached Green Home with a sales price under $250,000 for the Bee Tree Residence in Franklin. Winter Sun is Macon County’s First recipient of a STARS Award.

The Bee Tree Residence is featured in a short video on YouTube and on www.wintersunllc.com. The house is Energy Star Certified 5+ Stars and Healthy Built Home Gold, both highest possible honors. Compared to an average house, this residence will save 40% on power bills monthly for life. Green building began with a passive solar design sited to take advantage of the sloping lot and to rely on the sun’s position for heating and cooling. Super insulated panel walls and extensive air sealing produced a house that is sealed and performs like a refrigerator.Indoor air quality is improved with proper ventilation and non-toxic finishes and materials. A solar hot water heater further reduces energy consumption and contributes to the home’s performance.

More than 250 industry professionals gathered in Charlotte on September 16 for the awards gala. Winners received recognition in categories such as marketing and advertising, Web design, landscape design, interior merchandising, architecture/floor plans and special projects. Awards were also given to local home builders associations, communities of the year, a distinguished associate member and a distinguished builder member. The STARS Awards Gala is held in conjunction with the 21st Century Building Expo Conference sponsored by the North Carolina Home Builders Association. Each year the competition pays tribute to members who make major contributions to the residential home building industry. The STARS Awards ultimately symbolize tremendous accomplishment, honor, and distinction among building industry professionals.



The North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) is a statewide trade association representing 65 local associations and more than 16,000 member firms involved in the residential construction industry. A not-for-profit organization, the NCHBA provides its members with networking and educational opportunities and represents them in matters of government relations and advocacy. For more information visit www.nchba.com, or contact Kathryn Atkinson at 800-662-7129.

Winter Sun Construction, LLC is a licensed and insured General Contractor in the state of North Carolina specializing in energy-efficient and sustainable construction. Our mission is to make sustainable, green building affordable. Offering a unique solution by building for today’s economy and tomorrow’s dreams.
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