The Hand of
Ponticello
The mesa of
Ponticello consists of five ridges as viewed from above. These ridges
spread out towards the town of Oro Valley like the fingers of a hand.
Above these five ridges is an area that is also shaped like a palm. Past
this palm back towards the incredible granite cliffs of Pusch Ridge, Ponticello
abuts a hidden canyon that drops 100 feet from the backs of the most premiere
estate lots in Ponticello.
Strict
Design Guidelines
Ponticello’s design guidelines control the use of
materials, grading and construction in the community to achieve maximum harmony
with the environment, and beauty of the final project. The goal of
Ponticello’s development is to mimic an old European town nestled into the Santa
Catalina foothills.
Minimize Impact During Development
Ponticello
is being developed with minimal impact techniques. Instead of transporting
materials up and down La Reserve’s streets, rocks are crushed on site into
roadbed and fill materials. Most of the major excavation equipment is
owned by the developer and remains on-site further reducing traffic on
streets.
Minimal roadways on the ridges utilize common private
drives constructed out of natural concrete materials at the end of every
ridge. Groomed hiking trails instead of sidewalks provide a natural, fun
and eco-friendly way to get pedestrians around the community.
Energy Efficiency for Years to Come
Ponticello’s design restrictions mandate low energy
use through certain high efficiency building techniques. High-tech masonry or
masonry with high insulation low emission foams are specified. Roofs will
also need a very high insulation value to be approved.
Ponticello gives energy back to the community by
mandating each house utilize solar energy. A one Kilowatt minimum of photo
voltaic (PV) grid-tied power generation system on every home and two KW minimum
on larger homes let each house provide power to the grid when not needed
locally. State, Federal, and power company rebates and incentives are
available for homeowners on these PV systems.
Building a True Community
In old european towns, there was a logical meeting
place. A bell tower, clock tower, the market place, the town square, all
evoke locations where people come together. Ponticello’s Community Center
Centrale’ will be just that. A gathering place for recreation and
interaction with neighbors and guests, away from the demands of home and
office. A place where one can concentrate purely on interaction, fun and
relaxation. The community center includes workout facilities, meeting rooms, tennis, swimming
pools, historical museum, guest Casitas, garden center, and a world-class
intimate restaurant.
Respecting the Past
Areas of the Ponticello site were inhabited on and off
for over 1000 years. Items used by the natives have been recovered during
the development process. An on-site museum within Centrale’ contains
recovered items as well as collections from other nearby sites and time periods
provide a unique ability for today’s residents to connect directly with those of
yesterday.
