We in Kimberton Hills are dedicated to the idea that the health of people and the land are not separate, that a community of people putting healthy ideals into practice can be in a mutually beneficial relationship with the land it stewards. Organic and biodynamic farming, gardening and overall stewardship of the land are important elements of our care for the earth.

Community practices include re-use, recycling, and commuting to work via paths and village roads on foot, bicycles and electric golf carts. Living in close proximity to our workplaces has an added benefit: it fosters community and creates a deep sense of investment in the immediate surroundings.

Our newest and recently renovated buildings directly reflect these ideas. Serena Stevens Merck House - a home for our older residents, and the Community Health Center - a space for therapies that benefit people throughout the Village, as well as our bakery / cafe, use natural materials. We considered cost-effectiveness over the life of the buildings and ease of maintenance by incorporating the following elements of design and sustainability:

Cellulose insulation made from recycled newspaper provides medium to high insulation values, further reducing energy output for heating and cooling. Kitchen countertops are made of wood or stone, and we use natural, biodegradable flooring made from bamboo, linoleum, wool carpets and tile throughout.

The energy needs of Serena House and the CHC are partially met by photovoltaic arrays. An 8.3 kilowatt system is mounted on the nearby garage, keeping electricity production away from habited spaces.

In renovating our cafe, we chose a geothermal HVAC system. Research indicated it would be both a financially and ecologically sound investment. The buildings themselves are designed to minimize energy demands. Roof overhangs for shade and cooling, variable ceiling heights, and skylights let heat escape in summer and bring in light and warmth in winter. Several hallways and the Cafe restrooms are equipped with solar light tubes: similar to skylights, these highly reflective tubes run from the exterior roof to the interior ceiling and use sunlight to brighten dark spaces.

Roofs are metal, with no petrochemicals; their light color reflects sunlight and keeps rooms cooler throughout the summer months. Fan and ventilation systems for cooling and airflow allow for minimal air conditioning (used only in limited areas of Serena House). The CHC features point-of-use water heaters, which eliminate the need to keep a tank of water hot for hours when the water is not in use. On a very basic level, each building is equipped with energy-efficient appliances.







These buildings are designed in consideration of the earth around them, and part of this involves best practices of storm water management. Catchment systems direct rainwater from roofs into a cistern for low-flush toilet use, laundry, and landscape watering.

The gravel parking area empties into a planted wetlands basin to enable water to infiltrate directly. Native species plantings form a prominent part of the landscaping.

An innovative constructed wetlands garden is an ecologically-sound method of waste water disposal. The garden includes a pond with Flowforms and also features educational signage for visitors. This wetland system is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania; including the use of Flowforms, it is the first of its kind in the United States!






These buildings are not only earth-friendly, they are aesthetically pleasing. Despite sophisticated design and energy efficiency, these spaces are homey and inviting.

The Lazure painting technique, used throughout each building, layers color throughout rooms to produce rich tones and textures on the walls. This is done using non-VOC paints, which do not emit volatile organic compounds.

Serena House features a balance of social and private spaces, and these rooms are located on one floor to increase accessibility. Because both buildings are close to the Cafe and Rose Hall, residents can easily participate in village events. This also helps keep impervious surfaces at a minimum as fewer roads are needed.

Paying such close attention to habitability reflects our commitment to steward one another: regardless of ability, every person has a right to be treated with dignity. As we age, we often have greater physical needs. Social needs may be unmet as friends move or pass away. Serena House and the CHC are solutions that allow seniors to live as independently as possible while maintaining the warmth of community.

Our strategies can be enacted by anyone: the Kimberton Hills community is composed of young and old, those with special needs and those without. While some of these ideas may take a little extra effort to put into practice, the rewards far outweigh the costs. If you have questions or would like to see these buildings for yourself, you are welcome to come and visit (call 610-935-0300 to schedule a tour). We welcome interaction with the community around us, and would love to dialogue with you.