Pedestrian-friendly, the development includes almost 400 acres left as open space with trails, bike paths and parks. One million square feet of commercial space already has its first tenant, Global Solar a manufacturer of photovoltaic panels. The development's focal point is community center housing an art gallery, cafe, offices and open spaces for community activities and kicking back. In keeping with the development's theme of conservation the center's cylindrical shape is made of 16-inch fired adobe bricks to generate thermal mass and help stop summer heat gain. Inside, a cool tower, similar to a fan-less evaporative cooler, much like Middle Eastern wind towers, helps keep air flowing and cooled.
Rainwater harvesting provides water for the tower.
Additional buildings are constructed of rastra, a cement and foam material, and strawbale, a waste product of wheat. Plants and trees, preserved from the site, add shade and color. In addition to the White House, Civano has attracted attention and funding from two other agencies. Health issues prompted the American Lung Association , to select Civano for its Health House project, a nationwide program designed to improve indoor air quality. All Rights Reserved.