LEED Certified!

The George Woodward Company received the highest green building certification issued by the USGBC for the four new environmentally friendly twin homes in Chestnut Hill, making Philadelphia the home of the nation’s first LEED Platinum certified side-by-side duplexes.

Platinum certification is the highest rating offered by LEED for Homes, a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. The duplexes, which were designed by Re:Vision Architecture and built by Gardner/Fox Associates, exceeded the Platinum certification level by a whopping 9 points. Yahoo!

Landscaping Complete

Rain barrels capture rainwater for watering the low-maintenance native plant material in order to reduce the strain on the potable water supply. Natural swales and pervious driveways help the on-site water table recharge.


The twin homes were built on the site of a playground that had seen better days, yet was a neighborhood favorite. George Woodward Company's development plan included an open park where children could frolic and run about.

Master Bed and Bath

The master bedroom features a private second floor terrace.


Light streams into the master bedroom through aluminum clad windows with insulated glass that features Low-E glazing and Energy Star certification.


An efficient gas-fired hot water heater provides hot water on demand for use in the home's three bathrooms.

Upstairs: Bed & Bath

The second bedroom opens to the outdoors via a small covered balcony.


Entrance to the second bedroom.


The first room at the top of the stairs could be used as a den or bedroom.


Dual flush toilets reduce water waste. Built in shelving creates accessible storage in the hall bath.

Living Room and Foyer

Built in shelves and a coat closet provide handy storage solutions at the front entrance. Gas-fired logs in the living room create ambiance for cozy nights at home.


One of the home's three covered porches can be accessed from the living room and dining area.

Front Office

A sunny room at the front of the house could be used as a bedroom or home office.

Dining Room

The dining room opens to the living room and kitchen.


View from dining room to living room and front office. Abundant windows capture plenty of natural light.

Kitchen Finishes

Range, microwave and dishwasher all received Energy Star certification.


Solid surface kitchen counter tops constructed from recycled glass.


Detail of recycled glass counter tops.

Final Exterior Finishes

The twin homes will soon receive tenants.


The rear porches at the first set of twin homes.


First and second floor covered porches at the second set of homes, sans railing.


Sidewalk and final exterior finishes complete at the first pad site.

Sidewalk Installation

Wooden forms removed from the completed sidewalk.


In order to give the sidewalk flexibility during expansion and contraction of the soil, workers cut sections in the concrete so it doesn't crack with the movement of the ground underneath.


Cement slides down the trough into the form as workers begin the process of leveling and screeding the concrete.


Site work begins in preparation for sidewalk installation.