When Kelsey Wood-Henry and Jack Henry purchased three acres just minutes from downtown Asheville in 2022, they had one thing on their minds: community.
With backgrounds spanning neighborhood development, architecture, permaculture, and land stewardship, the couple wanted to create a place that balanced private homeownership with more opportunities for neighbors to connect. The result is Terra Futura Regenerative Neighborhood.
Terra Futura, located in West Asheville, is planned as a community of three single-family homes and 16 two- and three-bedroom duplex units. Two single-family homes have been built, and the first eight duplex units were completed this summer and are now being offered for sale. Another eight duplex units are planned for the next phase of construction.
All homes are certified Silver through Green Built Alliance, with extra insulation and carefully sized HVAC systems to help keep energy use down, along with Energy Star appliances and low-flow fixtures.
That same thoughtfulness carries into the materials. Rather than relying heavily on synthetic finishes, the homes feature cork flooring, solid wood cabinetry, paints and stains designed to reduce indoor air pollutants, and countertops made from recycled paper or responsibly sourced wood.
The property also leaves plenty of room for life outdoors. Plans call for gardens, trails, wildlife habitat, and shared gathering spaces throughout the community.
A central permaculture mini farm is also in the works, with garden beds and a small orchard planned alongside roughly 80 blueberry bushes already growing on the property. The landscaping will also incorporate edible plants such as pawpaws, mulberries, and serviceberries, along with rain gardens designed to manage stormwater and create wildlife habitat. Nearly 1,000 feet of trails are planned through the property’s urban forest.
The idea is for residents to enjoy those spaces together. Wood-Henry and Henry envision harvest days where neighbors might pick and preserve produce, while a planned community barn and outdoor kitchen will offer space for potlucks, workshops, and other gatherings.
“Our biggest amenity is this intangible sense of community that we all work toward,” says Henry.
Terra Futura at a Glance
Location: West Asheville
Housing: Three single-family homes and 16 two- and three-bedroom duplex units
Certification: Green Built Alliance Silver
Known For
- Green-Built Homes: Energy-efficient construction with an emphasis on natural, non-toxic materials.
- Shared Green Space: Plans for a permaculture mini farm, orchard, edible landscaping, rain gardens, and urban forest trails.
- Community Amenities: A community barn, outdoor kitchen, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, fire circles, and kids play area.
- Flexible Community Living: Shared spaces and activities that encourage connection while preserving privacy and independence.
Explore Terra Futura During the Parade
Terra Futura is a Featured Community in the 2026 WNC Parade of Homes, offering a closer look at how energy-efficient homes, shared green spaces, and community amenities can come together in one neighborhood.
Produced by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains and presented by Warmstead, the free, self-guided Parade returns Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25. Visitors can explore more than 60 homes and several featured communities across Western North Carolina from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Photos, floor plans, builder information, and project details will also be available through the online showcase.
Visit WNCParadeofHomes.com to learn more and plan your route.
