Eaglecrest: A commuter's dream: Communication is everything in this high-tech aerie in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada; it is designed to permit the professional to work at home, far from the madding crowd

Abstract

Eaglecrest is the name given to a community of 360 homes being built in Foresthill, California. The houses are being designed so as to permit telecommuting. To facilitate telecommuting, 12 main phone lines will be run into each home to a central box in the garage. From this box, other lines will fan out in sets of three to each of 10 locations in the house. Which three lines go to which location can be easily regulated manually at the main control, or a smart system can be installed to automate the switching process. Because those who word at home will miss the social interaction of a work environment, considerable attention is being given to facilities that will encourage residents to socialize with each other. These include public spaces, picnic areas, recreation centers, and electronic bulletin boards. In addition, two-way cable television lines will run throughout the development. Heating and cooling of the homes will be done by integrating passive and active solar systems, with a little help from a wood-burning stove.