PRESS RELEASE 06-08-09

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: David K. Sargert, LEED AP 505-573-9518
Company Contact: Edith Sargert, President – Saffron Development 541-350-7669


Beauty IS, a “Positive Development”Elegant High Performance Living in Taos, NM

Taos, New Mexico -June 1, 2009 - Saffron Development is pleased to announce the launch of Leisher (easy) Living Homes.

These elegant and efficient low impact homes are “inhabitant centered” in their design and incorporate Universal Design Principles to allow for aging in place. In addition to the site selection and advanced construction practices, the homes are inherently designed to exceed state energy codes by a minimum 33% and will be seeking LEED-H Platinum certifications from the USGBC via 3rd Party Verification for all models. GoGreen NM has been retained as the verification agent says David K. Sargert, LEED AP - Saffron’s Director of Design.

Saffron has developed several “planned communities” throughout the region using the principals of “Positive Development” set forth in the book of the same name by Prof. Janis Birkeland. These sustainability principles coupled with Sargert’s Award winning aesthetics and quality standards will ensure a truly timeless product. There are six different single-family models as well as two multi-family models currently available, ranging from one bedroom to four+ bedrooms. Residential Developments in NM will be named Vida Vista I, II and III. Vida Vista I has 360 degree mountain views (below) on each five acre lot, each with it’s own unique artistic landscape. Many of the models are also available as “one offs” for individual sites.

Saffron Development’s President, Edith Sargert states that “Saffron Development’s mission is to Create Global Communities that are rare, beautiful and enhance the regions they are part of.” Five regions of the USA are now targeted, with the 1st beginning in Taos.

Saffron Development is a closely held family business based in Taos, NM.
Fred Leisher, the Sargert’s son in-law is President of Leisher (easy) Living Homes and oversees all field operations. When asked, why (easy)? Leisher replies, “We’re offering low maintenance – high performance homes with extended warranties and 24/7 systems service in our base models. Upgrade options are also available for a turnkey resort experience. We also include full system monitoring with each home that allows us to know about problems before the owner does, THAT is pretty “easy”. “Also, our construction and site work is also in keeping with the spirit of our finished product”, says Leisher. “We’re targeting less than 3% waste on these homes regardless of size and will be using a lot of renewable energy on site to fabricate each home”.

Each Leisher (easy) Living Home incorporates such core features as premium finishes, fixtures and appliances, renewable energy (wind/solar) systems, advanced envelope construction and materials, water and daylight harvesting, advanced waste disposal, lighting, air quality and heating systems in addition to the “livability” inherent in each of Sargert’s designs.

“After more than thirty years of designing for “clients”, I wanted to take these past six years and devote myself to creating a series of residential products that incorporate all the features and specialty elements we’ve amassed over the decades, so that everyone can enjoy them, everyday”, says Sargert. “We have invested so much into these homes, with multi-faceted goals for each model and overriding goals for all of our developments”.

“First and foremost we want to have fun, we all love what we do, want to do it together and have the proven track record to make it pretty “easy”. We are creating products for like-minded individuals, that are globally responsible, regionally sourced and locally appropriate. I also want to produce homes that ultimately make more energy than they use and revitalize each site.”

When asked about other locations Sargert said, “We’re always looking for remarkable sites, land partners and “future inhabitants”, everywhere”. He then went on to say, “These homes require a level of mindfulness, awareness and “wa” (harmony) that is not for everyone. We are really excited about bringing these unique properties to Taos. It’s daunting, but fun”.



ABOUT Saffron DevelopmentSaffron Development is a division of the family owned Saffron Group, based in Taos, NM
Their Mission is to Create Global Communities that are rare, beautiful and enhance the regions they are part of.

Saffron Group’s CEO, Edith Sargert has worked in the corporate arena for decades, most recently as CFO for a major software development company with Fortune 50 clientele. Her leadership of Saffron Group is buttressed by the assistance she receives from her two daughters Heather and Monique and her grandchildren Luke, Leyla and Logan.
BLOG: http://saffrongroup.blogspot.com/

About Leisher easy Living Homes
Leisher (easy) Living Homes (LeLH). Offer fine living in low impact, beautiful environments that inherently enhance the well being of the occupants with measured results. Each home is responsibly designed and built to exceptional standards that include renewable energy, specialized systems, provisions for “aging in place” and on-site management.
Residential Developments in NM include Vida Vista I, II, & III and include a full range of home models. LeLH- President, Fred Leisher has been building quality projects throughout Oregon, California and New Mexico for over ten years. http://leishereasylivinghomes.blogspot.com

About David K. Sargert, LEED AP
After more than thirty years as president of the Award Winning Design/Build Firm, Sargert Design Associates (SDA), Sargert shifted his entire focus in 2004 to the creation of sustainable communities worldwide. His work has been featured in numerous books and publications. He is internationally known for its extraordinary portfolio of elegant, timeless projects that range in styles from contemporary to traditional, as well as for its innovative specialty designs and exquisite custom elements, both in the United States and abroad. For more information on SDA or Mr. Sargert, call 505-573-9518 or visit SDA online at
(currently being integrated into the New Saffron Group website) or BLOG: http://sargertdesign.blogspot.com


About Go Green NM LLC
Go Green, NM LLC is a certified 3rd party verification firm for LEED, HERS, State and Federal Energy Ratings
Con
tact: Isaac Brazil 505-699-4489 / gogreen.nm.llc@gmail.com or visit http://www.gogreennmllc.com/

ABOUT USGBC The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's leading coalition of corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations working together to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Since its founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 5,200 member companies and organizations, a 40-person professional staff, a broad portfolio of LEED® products and services, the industry's popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, and a network of 67 local chapters, affiliates, and organizing groups. www.usgbc.org


Attached photo is from Lot #1 in Vida Vista I
Additional Presentation Plans, Renderings and Images are available for use upon request.

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www.epitomedesign.com/dev/sargert.