Building Smarter, Greener, and More Inclusive Communities: A Spotlight on The Sage Plant

At Go Natural, we’re proud to shine a light on local changemakers who are redefining what it means to build sustainably and equitably. One such trailblazer is Alex Dummit, the visionary CEO behind The Sage Plant, a High Point–based development company leading the charge in accessible, innovative housing.

High Point developer The Sage Plant is planning three model homes on Ennis Street using a type of modular construction technology from Europe called Emmedue that offers lower costs. -Pat Kimbrough at High Point Enterprise

Dummit isn’t your average developer. Her mission goes far beyond profits—The Sage Plant was founded on the belief that business can and should be a force for good. That ethos is on full display in her latest project: a micro-community on Ennis Street in southwest High Point, bringing affordable, eco-conscious housing to an area ready for revitalization.

So what sets this development apart? The Sage Plant is pioneering the use of a cutting-edge modular construction system called Emmedue—a European technology that replaces traditional lumber and insulation with lightweight, structural polystyrene panels reinforced by steel mesh and concrete. The result? Strong, energy-efficient buildings that can be constructed in record time.

“It’s modern. It’s beautiful. And we can build it quickly, using unskilled labor, which not only helps with workforce development but also lowers our construction costs by as much as 40%,” says Dummit.

This isn’t just about building houses—it’s about planting seeds of opportunity. The Ennis Street development will include three model homes, a flower garden, and even a locally owned ice cream shop—designed to serve as a mini hub for the neighborhood. Community input has been central to the planning process, echoing Dummit’s belief that development should be done with people, not to them.

Her broader vision includes expanding this construction model across the Triad, with projects already launching in Greensboro and plans underway for domestic manufacturing of Emmedue panels. It’s all part of The Sage Plant’s commitment to smarter, faster, and more sustainable building methods—an approach deeply rooted in community, creativity, and environmental integrity.

From innovative technology to intentional design, this project is proof that building better doesn’t have to mean building bigger. It just takes vision, values—and a willingness to do things differently.

Want to Learn More About The Sage Plant? Discover how they’re reimagining housing and transforming communities through sustainable innovation.👉 Visit: https://thesageplant.com/

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