Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Vacation homes are big business in the US – with figures estimating that around four in ten Americans have a second property to their name. This is unsurprising given the diverse landscapes the country boasts, from bustling cities and stunning beaches to picturesque lakes. It is in the latter where Cornerstone Construction, a homebuilder based in Arley, Alabama, thrives. Recognised for the sustainable approach it takes to its work; we caught up with the company’s own Corey Noe for more on its distinction. Best Sustainable Home Builder 2025 – Southern USA Having built and maintained homes since 1983, Kevin Noe, the president and owner of this award-winning construction company, has been privileged to both live and work along the Gulf Coast for decades. Settling into his forever home in the Smith Lake area of Alabama, along with his wife, Angela, Kevin has been building homes – not houses – here for many years. Joining Kevin on this venture is his son, Corey, who is the vice president of the company and also moved to Arley from the Gulf Coast, with his wife and four children. Both men believed they were following God’s calling as they moved, and this faith-based approach is the cornerstone of Cornerstone Construction. Every decision is prayed over and the company’s value system reflects both this faith and a commitment to the clients it serves. To this end, its values – which span areas such as integrity, honesty, high standards, moral excellence, and a strong work ethic, are all linked to particular verses from the Bible. Operating in such a manner in a deeply religious area of the country, Cornerstone Construction attracts clients from many walks of life from across the US, all of whom are united by an appreciation for the beauty of the Smith Lake region where the company carries out new construction, additions, remodels, and home maintenance services alike. These services are underpinned by the values discussed above, as well as a rigorous sustainable focus seen through every element of a build, such as an emphasis on energy conservation. “Building lakefront and rural homes with an awareness of the surrounding environment, we aim to minimise disruption and blend in with the landscape around us”, Corey explained. “Our sustainability contributions tend to be practical and project-based, with key aspects including prioritising well-insulated homes, modern HVAC systems, and efficient windows/doors.” These services reflect a shift in the consumer market more widely, with buyers seeking out ‘green’ features to both reduce their costs and protect the planet. “Cornerstone Construction can present eco-friendly alternatives alongside traditional ones, giving clients a way to align sustainability with their personal style.” The Smith Lake home construction carried out by the team here is a unique in a number of ways, first and foremost being its strict adherence to building codes. Despite this region having much fewer requirements than the Gulf Coast, where Kevin and Corey constantly had to deal with numerous regulations and the constant presence of building inspectors, the duo and their team pride themselves on maintaining the same high standards they have always done, like carrying out their own inspections and introducing the ZIP System. Explaining this further, Corey told us: “The ZIP System is not a requirement but something that can give the homeowner peace of mind, as well as offering incentives. With FORTIFIED®, a programme geared around weather-resistant roofs, now available in North Alabama, there are specific guidelines for its installation. We work from engineered plans for continuous load path strapping tying the roof through the frame to the footings. This is how we build homes that stand up to weather and stand the test of time.” As well as this, Cornerstone Construction prides itself on keeping every client up to date with the progress of their build in this coveted vacation area, allowing them to manage progress through an app and stay in contact with the project manager. They can also see any invoices and pay their bill through the app, which is especially useful for those who live far away. Beyond this, its wider audience is engaged through regular social media posts. Finally, on the back of the above, Cornerstone Construction has grown at a steady pace over the last few years and is excited to announce work on many large projects in the coming months, including a three-milliondollar build. This is just the beginning, and other projects span a luxury tree in house in Crane Hill and even a 65home development right on Smith Lake. These projects reflect a company working at the top of its game. In closing, Corey shared with us the ethos guiding Cornerstone Construction at every turn: “Remember what we’re building: homes meant to span generations. 100 years from now the families living in our homes will never meet you, but they’ll feel your craftsmanship every day. That’s legacy work.” More on these generational projects can be found below. Company: Cornerstone Construction Web Address: https://webuildsmithlake.com/
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