Located just off Scottsdale Road near Fashion Square Mall, this modern residential and commercial building, which comprises glass, steel and dramatic overhangs, is hard to miss. But it’s the not-so-obvious details that really impress. Besides the sheer beauty of its intricate shapes and urban-village atmosphere, Optima Camelview is earth-friendly—enough so that the project, once complete, is positioned for LEED silver certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the United States Green Building Council. “This is one of the foremost developments worldwide in energy efficiency and green building design,” Hovey says.

A walk through Camelview’s 10-acre community park feels surprisingly like a serene and private garden stroll due to the fountains and waterfall that provide evaporative cooling and reduction of urban noise. Also impressive is the landscaping—on the 13-acre site, 17 acres of roof
gardens were constructed—a completely eco-friendly project. Through a year-long study with an Arizona State University professor of horticulture, native plant species were tested to determine the best plant categories to flourish on the terraces and along the walkways; those of which require little to no maintenance, providing a haven for wildlife, re-oxygenating the air and reducing smog and dust levels.

In addition, one third of the building materials were recycled, including the prefabricated steel that the structure is composed of. Excess electrical lighting and air-conditioning are also unnecessary due to the external sun-shading components as well as the prevailing floor-to-ceiling glass windows, made with UV-protective glass.