Redefining Luxury Living: How Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club is Leading the Future of Sustainable Developments

Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club

An interview with Rico Gonzalez, SVP of Development & Construction at Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club

Luxury real estate is constantly evolving.

Now, homeowners want more than breathtaking views and high-end amenities. They want intelligent, future-proof homes that provide energy security, sustainability, and seamless technology integration.

No one understands that shift in buyer behavior better than Rico Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of Development and Construction at Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club. Driftwood sets the bar for architectural excellence and sustainability in master planned communities.

We sat down with Rico to discuss how Driftwood is pioneering a new standard in energy-efficient luxury living, with Tesla Solar Roof at the heart of that vision.

Sustainability should never compromise aesthetics.

Solar has always been at odds with luxury home design because the technology wasn’t aligned with the style. Traditional solar panels were the only option for so long, and they are a blemish that clashes with the architecture, the natural materials, and the elegant lines that define premium real estate.

Driftwood prohibits traditional solar panels unless they’re completely hidden from view. They defy their design physiology that materials must be authentic. Wood should be wood. Stone should be stone. Concrete should look and feel like concrete.

“We didn’t know what to expect when Tesla Solar Roof came onto our radar,” Rico explains. “How does it look? Will it hold up over time? Will it fade? We needed to ensure the product upheld the visual integrity of the community.”

But, when the stakeholders took an in-person look at the tiles installed, they were blown away.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Rico says. “Our members have been thoroughly impressed as it seamlessly integrates into the home. You would never know it’s solar… until you experience the benefits!”

Energy security is now a necessity.

Texas is now one of the top three states in the country for solar demand, not because Texans are looking to make a statement, but because they’ve learned the hard way that the grid is unreliable. Energy resilience goes beyond environmentalism. In Texas, it’s about security.

As Rico put it,

“People are using energy more and more at homes—phones , TVs, electric cars, and more. The demand continues to grow and the sooner developers and builders can embrace the technology, why not use it?”

For homeowners at Driftwood who often split time between multiple properties, control and security are everything.

Tesla Solar Roof and Powerwall provide that energy independence, along with the ease of modern automation. Home buyers are not just looking for backup power. They want it to be seamless, automated, and maintenance free. Even when they’re away.

“Everything is on your phone. You can be in Europe and see what your roof is producing. You don’t need to flip a switch like a generator.”

Builders stuck in the past are missing an opportunity.

For luxury homebuilders, solar is an afterthought, if they think of it at all. They leave it up to the homeowner to add later if they want. But, Rico sees the industry shifting.

“The market is there. People want these energy efficient homes, but most builders advise them to add solar later. With the available technology, capability, and rising demand, that mindset is going to change.”

In high-end residential construction, builders have to compete on more than just location and square footage. Those buyers want innovation, efficiency, and a home that is timeless in function and beauty.

Driftwood took a different approach. They evaluated solutions ahead of demand, recognizing that Tesla Solar Roof was the only solar solution that aligned with their design and development philosophy.

“When you look at the lifespan of a home loan, adding solar is pennies on the dollar,” Rico says. “It adds value to the home. It just takes a few builders saying, ‘we’re going to do this’ in order for the rest of the industry to follow.”

Driftwood didn’t wait to be a follower. They saw where the market was going and positioned themselves as leaders.

A vision for the future of luxury living.

As the luxury real estate market changes, it begins to change the way communities are designed. Driftwood doesn’t focus on just the individual home, but the future of the master-planned luxury community.

“We foresee more integrated energy systems where homes generate, store, and share power in a seamless way,” Rico predicts. “Right now, the industry is behind other countries in that regard, but that’s changing.”

We can’t get away with straggling behind much longer. Soon, land and water usage will dictate where and how developers are able to build.

“The South is booming. But where you look at places from Central Texas westward, water is a priority,” he explains. “We’re going to see developers revisiting existing areas and repurposing spaces rather than expanding into undeveloped land.”

At Driftwood, the future is already unfolding.

“The industry has reached a point where it can’t just do things the way it’s always done them,” Rico says.

“The builders and developers who embrace new technology will be the ones shaping the next generation of luxury communities.”

In every industry, from fashion to technology, the luxury segment will always be future focused. For the real estate industry, the luxury segment is demanding forward focused energy infrastructure and home capabilities. And Driftwood is already serving those demands.

Interested in bringing Tesla Solar Roof to your luxury developments?

As the exclusive provider of Tesla Solar Roofs for Driftwood, Vikta Energy works with the most exclusive custom homebuilders and developers to integrate Tesla Solar Roof seamlessly into high-end communities.

Contact us today to learn how this technology can elevate your projects and meet the growing demand for sustainable, energy-independent luxury homes.