Published by The National Association of Home Builders on April 30, 2025.

Wellness-focused home design is becoming increasingly common as home builders and owners focus on comfort and livability. But most wellness concepts in the residential space are offered at the very high end of the market in custom homes.

ERTH360, a home design and architecture firm based in Ontario, has spent years focused on bringing wellness concepts to production home design. Its collaboration with Empire Communities, a home builder based in Toronto, won the Gold award for GIA Global Innovation Home of Year at NAHB’s The Nationals for 2024.

Vaughan, ON – February 6th, 2025 – Empire Communities, one of North America’s largest privately-held homebuilders, has acquired Charlotte-based SouthCraft Home Builders (“SouthCraft”), expanding its presence in the region and strengthening its ability to serve a broader range of homebuyers. SouthCraft will continue to focus on value-driven homebuyers while maintaining its current operations and leadership team.

Empire Communities is recognized as Trusted Builder/Developer through the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD)’s Trusted Builder Program. BILD’s Trusted Builder Program is a public facing recognition program that identifies builder and developer members that have been part of the association for at least 25 years. The program is designed to acknowledge the longstanding commitment of BILD’s builder and developer members that have met the housing needs of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for decades.

Members of the program meet specific criteria, including:
1. Demonstrated experience enduring the challenges of fluctuating markets and ever-changing environments (economic, policy and regulatory)
2. Like all accredited builders in Ontario, the builders and developers of the program are fully licensed and comply with Ontario’s highest building codes and regulations
3. Have been members of BILD and adhered to BILD’s strict code of ethics for a minimum of 25 years.

Visit bildgta.ca/trustedbuilder to learn more about the Trusted Builder Program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Vaughan, Ontario, August 12^th, 2024] – Empire Communities, an award-winning residential homebuilder in Canada and the United States is proud to announce that its standard home model featuring ERTH360 Air enhancements has achieved the rigorous clean airflow requirements of ASHRAE Standard 241 — the new high bar for infection resiliency. This first-of-its-kind achievement is a testament to Empire’s commitment to providing homes with the highest standards of indoor health and sustainability. ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols, is a landmark standard published in July 2023 and applies to all building types, commercial and residential.

The clean air performance of Empire’s standard home with ERTH360 Air was evaluated and verified to meet the standard’s targets using a new test method that ASHRAE Standard 241 introduced to the industry, known as ‘air tracing’. Poppy, a venture-backed company based in San Francisco, has pioneered air tracing as a rapid, low-cost commissioning / retro-commissioning technology and service for any building. The Poppy Certify program has been used in over 1,000 locations globally, promoting gold-standard health measures while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Empire’s attainment of Poppy Certify status underscores the company’s commitment to creating a healthier and safer environment for its homeowners.

“In our 31st year of homebuilding, Empire continues its dedication to ensuring the safety and comfort of our homeowners while constructing more sustainable homes. Achieving Poppy Certify status is part of a broader initiative to introduce ERTH360 Air in select Empire communities,” states Dan Guizzetti, Co-CEO of Empire Communities. Andrew Guizzetti, Co-CEO adds, “This underscores our commitment to enhancing homebuyers’ health and well-being by providing clean and healthy indoor air, while minimizing environmental impact through balanced energy use.”

Empire Communities joins an elite group of sustainable, healthy buildings across various sectors that have been assessed using air tracing and have achieved Poppy Certify status. This breakthrough in single-family homes demonstrates that accessible HVAC upgrades combined with comprehensive testing enable a home with central air conditioning to meet the most stringent requirements of ASHRAE Standard 241. The Empire Communities standard home featuring ERTH360 Air improvements used a bypass HEPA filtration unit, alongside MERV 13 filters, and a 175 CFM energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to enhance indoor air quality and sustainability.

For the homeowner, ASHRAE Standard 241 offers numerous benefits by promoting healthier environments for occupants. These benefits include:

1. Clean air necessary to substantially reduce the risk of disease transmission.
2. Reduced occupant exposure to various pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19, as well as influenza viruses and other disease-causing agents that inflict significant personal and economic damage each year.
3. A separate area where a household member known to be infected can isolate with the clean air equivalent to a patient room in a healthcare facility.

“Poppy congratulates Empire Communities on achieving this landmark for single-family homeowners and builders. Poppy Certify is awarded to buildings that satisfy performance requirements linked to ASHRAE building standards for the control of infectious aerosols,” says Elizabeth Caley, Co-CEO of Poppy.

The ERTH360 Air package was developed by ERTH360 to demonstrate that strategic improvements to standard homes can significantly enhance indoor air quality. ERTH360 also designed a Discovery Home at Empire’s Avalon community in Caledonia, Ontario featuring more substantial indoor environment improvements, including clean air, filtered water, and circadian lighting. This model also successfully passed the ASHRAE Standard 241 test, showcasing its effectiveness in improving indoor environmental quality.

About Empire Communities

Empire Communities is a vertically-integrated homebuilder involved in all sectors of the new home-building industry, including both low-rise and high-rise built forms. Celebrating over 30 years of building inspiring new places to live, Empire has an established tradition of creating prestigious award-winning new homes, communities and amenities, and has earned a reputation for outstanding attention to detail and customer service. Since its inception in 1993, Empire has built and sold over 35,000 new homes and condos. Today, Empire is one of North America’s largest privately held integrated residential homebuilders, with current communities in Toronto, Southwestern Ontario, Texas, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee.

For more information, please visit Empire Communities | Building New Homes and Communities in North America.

About ERTH360

Empire acquired ERTH360 in 2022 and has established it as a separate business unit focused on designing healthier indoor living environments that improve occupant health and well-being while using more sustainable building materials.

For more information, please visit ERTH360.

About Poppy:

Poppy is the market leader in advanced air technologies for healthy, sustainable buildings. Poppy revolutionizes how buildings measure equivalent clean airflow, manage rising energy costs and secure health in buildings with their patented air tracing technology. Poppy serves locations in 25 cities, across Canada, US, Europe and the Middle East, helping building operators to reduce costs, decarbonize, and protect occupant health. Poppy was founded in 2019 and is based in San Francisco and Toronto.

For more information visit Poppy.com.

Empire Communities is expanding its presence in San Marcos, recently closing on 46 homesites in the residential community of Trace that will showcase new floor plans for the builder.

Empire has 31 50-foot homesites in Trace where it will build its new Empire Texas Series. The one- and two-story designs range from 1,911 to 3,249 square feet and offer three to four bedrooms and two to 3.5 bathrooms. Pricing will be from the mid $300,000s.

The builder also has 15 lots for homes with alley-loaded garages. Also new to Empire, these floor plans are priced from the low $300,000s and range from 1,247 to 2,044 square feet. They feature front porches, three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms.

“San Marcos is ideally situated between Austin and San Antonio along the rapidly growing I-35 corridor,” said Don Luke, Regional Vice President for Empire. “What we’re bringing to the market are more affordable homes in a location that allows you to easily work in either Austin or San Antonio. Plus, the homes are packed with the must-have features our customer research has shown people want.”

Among those features are open-concept floor plans, covered outdoor living space and ample storage, Luke said.

Model home construction is slated to begin in November with sales anticipated to start in February 2025.

Empire builds throughout Central Texas, including Blanco Vista in San Marcos. It also builds in San Antonio, Austin, Georgetown, Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Hutto, and Pflugerville.

Learn more about Empire at www.empirecommunities.com.

Article by Community Impact

For over 30 years, Empire Communities has been committed to enriching homeowners’ lives through carefully chosen locations, purposeful home designs and a personalized homebuying experience.

The company is offering new homes in San Antonio for a wide variety of buyers. First-time home owners looking at master-planned communities and experienced home buyers looking at homes with more land can find what they are looking for with Empire Communities.

“We’ve built homes that make everyday life richer and more sustainable, with enviable designs where smart space planning and quality building meet,” said Division President Terry Shuffler.

Empire Communities is offering new homes in several different areas within San Antonio, including:

• Cibolo Canyons is an active, master-planned community with access to exceptional amenities and a convenient location. Located in North San Antonio, homes in this community start from the high $500,000s.
• Arcadia Ridge is a family-friendly oasis community nestled on 700-acres of scenic landscapes. Located in West San Antonio, homes in this community start at $300,000.
• Everly Estates is a community of estate homes located on half-acre homesites in East San Antonio. This community is ideal for buyers looking for a little more space, while living in their dream home, with home plans starting from the $500,000s

“The open-concept floor plans in the product offerings make for functional living no matter what your lifestyle,” Shuffler said.

Each home design has a unique style so individuals can find the right home to meet their needs and design preferences. Empire Communities also offers individuals customization options in their homes, giving individuals choices with items such as flooring, cabinets, countertops and backsplashes.

“Thoughtfully designed to allow for flexibility and personalization, each package within the collection offers a distinct style while providing homeowners with the opportunity to infuse their own preferences seamlessly,” Shuffler said. “This flexibility not only ensures a tailored living experience but also contributes to the efficiency of Empire’s building process.”

Buying a home can be daunting for individuals. To help future homeowners with the process, Empire Communities has model homes open at each of the three communities.

“Prospective homeowners can walk through our model homes and witness firsthand how our home designs come to life and see how the interior selections transforms the space, creating a unique atmosphere in every room, Shuffler said.

All three of Empire Communities’ neighborhoods in San Antonio have unique features that set them apart. The Cibolo Canyons community offers a golf course, tennis courts, a water park and a fitness room. Arcadia Ridge offers walking trails, playgrounds, great schools and a lagoon-style pool. Amenities at Everly Estates include oversized home lots and a wealth of green spaces.

“Empire Communities has established a tradition of creating prestigious, award-winning new homes and communities,” Shuffler said. “For over 30 years, we’ve encouraged our home owners to dream bigger and live better. As one of North America’s largest family-owned and operated builders, we are proud to bring homeownership to life for hundreds of families.”

Interested in buying an Empire Communities home? Future homeowners can learn more about Empire Communities on the company’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.

Sponsored Article by Community Impact 

For over 30 years, Empire Communities has been committed to enriching homeowners’ lives through carefully chosen locations, purposeful home designs and a personalized homebuying experience.

Located 30 miles east of downtown Austin in Bastrop, Empire’s new Adelton community, developed by Benchmark development, offers residents a slower pace of life with scenic views and outstanding amenities.

“Adelton is thoughtfully planned with the streets of the community hugged between tree-filled trails and lush landscapes,” Division President Terry Shuffler said. “The community will feature over 50 acres of parks, greenbelts and open spaces, making the feel of home extend far beyond the doorstep.”

Empire at Adelton builds two different product lines in the community:

• The 35’ homesites are between 1,551 and 2,242 square feet. These homes have three to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and start from the $300,000s.
• The 45’ homesites are between 2,020 and 2,772 square feet. These homes have three or four bedrooms, three or four bathrooms, and start in the $400,000s.

Both collections of homes feature craftsman and urban farmhouse designs. The homes feature open concept designs, front porches and alley-entry back garages. Each home design has a unique style so individuals can find the right home to meet their needs and design preferences.

“Thoughtfully designed to allow for flexibility and personalization, each package within the collection offers a distinct style while providing homeowners with the opportunity to infuse their own preferences seamlessly,” Shuffler said. “This flexibility not only ensures a tailored living experience, but also contributes to the efficiency of Empire’s building process.”

The Adelton community will feature amenities such as:

• a community pool
• an outdoor pavilion with a fireplace
• a beer garden outdoor patio for gatherings
• a playground
• sports courts
• an on-site elementary school

In addition to the community amenities, Adelton is designed to be a place where neighbors can get to know one another and build lasting friendships through new events, including the Spring Fling meet-and-greet with neighbors.

Buying a home can be a difficult decision for individuals. To help future homeowners with the process, Empire Communities has a model home open at Adelton and a members sales counselor who can walk prospective residents through the process.

“Empire Communities has established a tradition of creating prestigious, award-winning new homes and communities, earning a reputation for outstanding detail care and customer service,” Shuffler said. “For over 30 years, we’ve built homes that make everyday life richer and more sustainable, with enviable designs where smart space planning and quality building meet.”

Interested in buying an Empire Communities home? Future homeowners can learn more about Empire Communities on the company’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.

News Article: Community Impact

Empire Communities, known for their housing projects in the Mueller area, has introduced two new home models and a series of floor plans, now available for public viewing in the Goodnight Ranch community in southeast Austin.

The details

In the first collection, future homes will range from 1,905 to 2,340 square feet. The three-story designs will feature three- and four-bedroom spaces. The concept places six houses along one shared driveway, forming a small “neighborhood niche,” according to a news release.

“Goodnight Ranch has residentially dense neighborhoods, and our [concept] aligns with this vision without giving up space,” said Terry Shuffler, a division president with Empire Communities, in a statement. “The three-story designs allow for ample room and are especially appealing to buyers who would rather enjoy Austin’s many amenities than spending time on yard work.”

Though yard work will be minimal, each living space includes one outdoor space per floor plan. Known as Modern Urban Homes, the homes will begin selling for $430,000.

In the second collection of plans, Empire Communities features three-story condominium units, ranging from 2,316 to 2,443 square feet. The condos will begin selling for $700,000 and include multiple outdoor spaces.

The last of the unveiled floor plans include single-family homes built on 30-foot lots, beginning at $450,000.

“These designs are perfect for multigenerational families, giving just enough privacy,” Shuffler said.

Goodnight Ranch, a master-planned community developed by Benchmark Development, has utilized concepts from new urbanism planning to develop a distinctly Austin-centric hub, according to the developer’s website. The mixed-use community will include single-family homes, shared spaces, parks, an amenity center, swimming pools and various recreational areas.

Article by Community Impact:

For over 30 years, Empire Communities has been committed to enriching homeowners’ lives through carefully chosen locations, purposeful home designs and a personalized homebuying experience. Its newest community, Goodnight Ranch, is located eight miles southeast from Downtown Austin and offers unique homes with both views of the city and green spaces. “We’ve built homes that make everyday life richer and more sustainable, with enviable designs where smart space planning and quality building meet,” said Division President Terry Shuffler. Within the Goodnight Ranch community, there are three different home designs: starting from the $400,000s:

• The Ramble: three-story condos with views of the Downtown Austin skyline
• Paseo Court: homes showcasing modern, open three-story floor plans
• The 30’ Collection: offering homeowners low maintenance living with two story designs and optional studio apartments over a detached garage

“The open-concept floor plans in the product offerings make for functional living no matter what your lifestyle,” Shuffler said.

Each home design has a unique style so individuals can find the right home to meet their needs and design preferences.

“Thoughtfully designed to allow for flexibility and personalization, each package within the collection offers a distinct style while providing homeowners with the opportunity to infuse their own preferences seamlessly,” Shuffler said. “This flexibility not only ensures a tailored living experience but also contributes to the efficiency of Empire’s building process.”

Buying a home can be daunting for individuals. To help future homeowners with the process, Empire Communities has model homes open at Goodnight Ranch.

“Prospective homeowners can walk through our model homes and witness firsthand how our home designs come to life and see how the interior selections transforms the space, creating a unique atmosphere in every room,” Shuffler said.

The Goodnight Ranch community offers residents a wealth of on-site amenities, including:

• a three-mile trail system
• a community pool
• four ponds
• parks, including Onion Creek Metro Park District, in District Trails
• a future town center
• community gathering spaces
• an amenity center

Goodnight Ranch is designed to be a place where individuals can find everything they need within the community.

“The community is proud to pioneer a new region of Austin, offering a place to live, work and play without having to commute,” Shuffler said.

The master-planned community still gives residents easy access to Downtown Austin and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and has “a distinct Austin feel.”

Goodnight Ranch residents can get to know their neighbors while enjoying community amenities and by attending community events.

“The community is very active, hosting multiple events planned throughout the year by Benchmark Development and exclusive events held by Empire,” Shuffler said.

While there are many homebuilders in the Austin area, Shuffler said Empire Communities is unique because of its care for the craft.

“Empire Communities has established a tradition of creating prestigious, award-winning new homes and communities,” Shuffler said “For over 30 years, we’ve encouraged our homeowners to dream bigger and live better. As one of North America’s largest family-owned and operated builders, we are proud to bring homeownership to life for hundreds of families.”

Interested in making Goodnight Ranch your new home? Future homeowners can learn more about Empire Communities on the company’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.

In the heart of Dellrose, one of Empire’s most established master-planned communities in Houston, TX, Empire has introduced u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/houston/community/dellrose/category/bloom-series/u0022u003eThe Bloom Seriesu003c/au003e — a collection of four model homes designed to reflect individuality, functionality, and joy. These homes, conceptualized and brought to life by the talented team at Nancy Rae Interiors, offer a unique living experience for potential homeowners, each featuring distinct design packages from Empire’s Essence collection.
u003ch3u003eThe Inspiration Behind The Bloom Seriesu003c/h3u003e
The Bloom Series draws inspiration from the world of flowers, aiming to create homes that are not only functional but also evoke a sense of joy. Each home, while distinct in its design, complements the others, much like a harmonious garden. The u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/houston/community/dellrose/listing/hibiscus/u0022u003eHibiscusu003c/au003e, a modern neutral home, appeals to a broad audience; the u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/houston/community/dellrose/listing/sunflower/u0022u003eSunfloweru003c/au003e introduces pops of color and curated furnishings for an exciting atmosphere; the u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/houston/community/dellrose/listing/orchid-2/u0022u003eOrchidu003c/au003e, inspired by Texas, embraces deep shades of rust and orange; and the u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/houston/community/dellrose/listing/daisy-2/u0022u003eDaisyu003c/au003e, with traditional furnishings and a cottage feel, rounds out the series.

u003ch3u003eMaterials, Textures, and Colorsu003c/h3u003e
In selecting materials and colors, the design team at Nancy Rae Interiors prioritized performance-grade upholstery fabrics for durability and functionality. u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/our-design-team-shares-8-of-the-best-neutral-paint-colors-for-every-room/u0022u003eNeutralu003c/au003e furnishings were chosen to allow for flexibility, ensuring they could be utilized in different model homes, while maintaining individuality through paint colors, pillows, and drapery.

u003ch3u003eThe Design Processu003c/h3u003e
The design process began with collaborative discussions between Nancy Rae Interiors and the Empire team, focusing on community expectations, timelines, and the desired aesthetic. Prioritizing memory points and efficient use of square footage, the design team sought to maximize the potential of each home. All four homes were merchandised to showcase the possibilities within the smaller living spaces, emphasizing the u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/designing-with-intention/u0022u003eflexibility of the floor plansu003c/au003e.

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The uniqueness of each home lies in the thoughtful use of flex spaces. From a home office with u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/9-accent-wall-ideas-trending-now/u0022u003eunique wallpaperu003c/au003e to lounge spaces, u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/clever-ways-repurpose-spare-rooms/u0022u003ecraft areasu003c/au003e, and creative extensions of utility spaces, each home showcases different possibilities. The design team aimed to inspire homeowners by demonstrating how they could u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/designer-tips-maximize-every-space-home/u0022u003eoptimize every square footu003c/au003e to suit their lifestyle. u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/how-to-create-a-cool-kids-space/u0022u003eMemorable kids’ roomsu003c/au003e were also crafted to add an element of excitement and personalization.

u003ch3u003eUnique Selling Featuresu003c/h3u003e
Beyond the captivating design and thoughtful layouts, The Bloom Series homes at Dellrose come standard with an array of upgraded features and finishes that exemplify luxury and functionality. The u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/kitchen-upgrades-where-to-save-vs-splurge/u0022u003ekitchensu003c/au003e boast stunning Quartz countertops, providing both durability and a touch of sophistication; the living spaces showcase luxury vinyl-plank flooring, offering a blend of elegance and practicality; and the first floor features a four-side brick exterior, not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal, but also ensuring longevity and low maintenance. These upgraded features are not mere additions but integral elements that elevate the living experience, making The Bloom Series a perfect blend of style and substance.

u003ch3u003eOptimizing Square Footage and Utilizing Spaceu003c/h3u003e
The standout feature of The Bloom Series is the optimal use of square footage in each home. Whether it’s creating additional functionality through merchandising or u003ca href=u0022https://empirecommunities.com/blog/make-the-most-of-home-flex-space/u0022u003edesigning memorable flex spacesu003c/au003e, these homes offer versatility. Families of all sizes can envision a comfortable and spacious living experience, making the most of every corner in these thoughtfully-designed homes.
u003ch3u003eThe Design Packagesu003c/h3u003e
Incorporating different Essence collection design packages in each home, The Bloom Series serves as a living showcase of Empire’s design possibilities. Prospective homeowners can walk through these four model homes and witness firsthand how each package transforms the space, creating a unique atmosphere in every room.

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Thoughtfully designed to allow for flexibility and personalization, each package within the collection offers a distinct style while providing homeowners with the opportunity to infuse their own preferences seamlessly. This flexibility not only ensures a tailored living experience but also contributes to the efficiency of Empire’s building process.

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Interested in learning more about The Bloom Series at Dellrose? Contact Kerrie, our New Home Specialist, at u003ca href=u0022tel:2817295061u0022u003e281-729-5061u003c/au003e.