Cheap energy is a thing of the past. More than ever, homeowners are looking to build smaller, more efficient homes that maximize existing volume and minimize heating and cooling energy use. When built in conjunction with green construction practices — such as choosing high-performance and low-impact materials, and orienting the home correctly — the designs featured in this collection have the potential to operate well below the energy cost of comparably sized homes.

Although choosing the right materials and measuring performance are key factors in sustainable living, we believe that green is a design concept. A great home that anticipates your family's future needs may eliminate the building of yet another home that will consume additional materials and energy. In other words, a true green home must be a well-designed, attractive, flexible home that is a joy to live in for years to come.

Strategic Window Placement

These plans pay special care to window placement and overhangs, so that the amount of sunlight entering the home is controlled properly. Also, the designs anticipate insulation and wall systems ideal for high heat or cold temperature environments, where the HVAC loads will be high.

Cost Savings

Green homes typically save money on operating costs because of more efficient energy use from such factors as extra insulation, more-efficient water heaters, lighting and appliances, and the use of natural daylighting techniques. Additionally many green homes save money on construction costs up-front.