We don't normally write about single-family housing, but as Exxon moves 10,000 employees into its Springwoods Village campus, people are taking a more critical look at housing supply. Sullivan Brothers is gearing up the closest single-family development to Exxon, and it’ll be one of the greenest in the world. Director of sales Karen Travelstead (with homebuyer Isabel Landa on site) tells us Harper Woods will feature 89 LEED Gold homes. That was the largest collection in the world until the UAE announced it’s planning 8,600 Gold houses. (Talk about one-upping.) The emphasis on sustainability fits into Springwoods Village’s overall plan and appeals to Exxon’s values.

Karen says the most exciting green construction components in the homes will be tankless hot water heaters with endless supply of hot water. They’ll also feature Energy Guard foam insulation that’s more energy efficient, improves air quality, and reduces noise. The market is responding well—Karen tells us she’s sold many homes already even though there’s the model home won’t complete until next month. (The first closings will take place in early June.) Harper Woods has a strong link to The Woodlands—it’s named after Bob Harper, the arborist who managed The Woodlands. All the community’s streets are named after his father, a WWII pilot, and his flight buddies.