Solaridge stands out as a premier example of contemporary homes in Reston. Designed by Warren Katz, a foundational home builder who helped shape Reston’s residential landscape. Each of the 35 homes has individual characteristics that make them distinct.
35 homes
South-facing passive solar homes
Since 1983
Designed by Warren Katz, built by Felix Construction
Reston
A planned community since 1964
Fairfax County
Northern Virginia
What makes Solaridge special
Distinctly contemporary
Soaring cathedral vaulted ceilings. No two homes exactly alike.
Filled with light
Aligned to capture optimal sunlight through passive solar attics.
Close to nature
Direct access to Reston’s woods, pathways and lakes.
A friendly community
A warm, cooperative neighborhood spirit that reflects Robert E. Simon’s original vision for Reston.
Designed for light
Every Solaridge home is a passive solar home. Large south-facing windows in the solar attic collect heat on a sunny day, and a blower and duct system carries that warmth down to the living levels. Fixed roof overhangs help, too, shading the glass in summer while letting in the lower winter light. The result is bright, open rooms full of natural light, even in the middle of winter.
Most homes are clad in natural cedar siding, though a number have switched to James Hardie fiber cement siding (often called Hardie board) or LP SmartSide over the years. Open floor plans and generous decks and patios make them just as good for quiet evenings as for entertaining. All 35 homes are two stories, and the six homes on the east side of the cluster also have walk-out basement levels.
Some neighbors have added rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle chargers over the years.
Designed by Warren Katz
Solaridge was designed by Warren Katz, a Reston design-builder, and built in 1983 by his firm, Felix Construction. Instead of repeating one stock plan 35 times, Katz gave the cluster real individual character. His design ideas run through every home, and no two interiors are exactly alike.
A few of his signatures show up throughout the cluster:
Solar attics
South-facing glass in the attic collects heat in winter, and a custom blower and duct network moves that warmth to the rooms below.
Smart use of space
Built-in drawers and storage shelves, corner shapes and sloped knee walls put every inch of the open floor plans to work.
Light and height
Tall walls of glass, skylights and cathedral ceilings keep a contemporary home feeling bright and warm instead of cold or dark.
No two alike
Natural cedar siding on the outside, and a different interior in every home.
Neighbors say…
We asked neighbors why they bought a home here and what they like about living in the cluster today. A few themes came up again and again.
Why neighbors bought
Contemporary design, with open floor plans and interesting angles.
Light and bright rooms, with skylights and natural light instead of dark corners.
Nature all around, with trees and woods right outside.
A convenient location, close to the village center, the lake, the pool, bike trails, shopping and work.
Easy living, with no yard to take care of.
What neighbors love today
The people. Friendly, welcoming neighbors.
A real sense of community, with neighbors helping neighbors.
Peace and quiet in a convenient corner of Reston.
Life in the cluster
With only 35 homes, Solaridge is small enough that everyone gets to know everyone. Every year we gather for our annual block party. Many residents have found their best friends just down the street.
Living in Reston
Reston was founded in 1964 by Robert E. Simon as a planned community, and its mix of homes, woods, water and village centers is still its signature. Solaridge sits in a convenient corner of it.
Where we are
Solaridge Cluster is a neighborhood of 35 homes in Reston, Virginia.
Outdoors
Lake Audubon is a short walk away.
More than 50 miles of paved and natural paths run throughout Reston.
The historic W&OD Trail is about half a mile away, for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding.
Pools, tennis courts and parks are available through Reston Association.
Getting around
Wiehle-Reston East Metro station on the Silver Line is just minutes away.
The Silver Line runs on through the Reston Town Center station to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.
The Dulles Toll Road is close by for drivers. Downtown Washington, DC is about 20 miles east.
Out and about
South Lakes Village Center is just across the way for shops, dining and everyday errands.
Reston Town Center has restaurants, shopping and events.
Reston Metro Plaza, at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, has restaurants and shops.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts offers summer outdoor and winter indoor performances.
Community theatre, arts and crafts are active across Reston.
Our story
- 1964 – Reston is founded by Robert E. Simon.
- 1983 – The first Solaridge home is built by Warren Katz’s Felix Construction. In all, 35 south-facing passive solar homes are built.
- 2013 – The cluster celebrates its 30th anniversary.
- 2014 – The Silver Line reaches Reston.
- 2022 – The Silver Line extends past Reston Town Center to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.
- Today – Still bright, still friendly, and still in good company.