HOUSE

The 10 Greenest Houses in the United States

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The environmental impact of human activities has been substantial, particularly in recent years, with devastating effects on the Earth and our surroundings. Efforts are being made across all sectors to increase environmental awareness and take meaningful action. One such sector is construction, which is working to protect nature through the development of green homes.

The construction and operation of homes significantly affect the environment, especially in terms of energy consumption. Green homes aim to reduce the energy required for building operations by using sustainable materials. By employing the latest technologies, builders strive to minimize costs and lower the carbon footprint. Although still an emerging concept, there are several homes in the U.S. that exemplify sustainable building practices.

1.Fall House, Big Sur

    Fougere Architecture has crafted a luxurious residence along California’s Big Sur coastline, featuring a copper facade designed to resist seawater corrosion. Over time, the copper is expected to develop a patina, allowing the house to blend seamlessly with its surroundings while also mitigating solar heating effects. This two-story home boasts a chic design and incorporates highly energy-efficient windows, which are slated for UPVC window spraying. The windows are engineered to open automatically, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning and thereby lowering energy consumption.

    2.Tighthouse, NYC

    The project focuses on renovating a century-old row house by incorporating sustainable technology to achieve the Passive House Standard. The property is equipped with two solar thermal panels for hot water and photovoltaic panels to decrease electricity usage. Additionally, natural light is maximized wherever possible, and the lighting fixtures are either LED or fluorescent. Fabrica718, the architectural design firm behind the renovation, asserts that the home’s overall energy consumption is 75% less than that of a typical house.

    3.Dome Desert Home, North Scottsdale

    Home construction in the Arizona desert poses unique challenges, but this building’s design effectively leverages its surroundings. The dome-shaped guesthouse harmonizes with the arid landscape. Its true sustainability lies in its organic design, both inside and out, utilizing eco-friendly materials throughout its construction. The aluminum panels offer durability and enhance energy efficiency.

    4.Net-zero Home, Cocoa

    This Florida home, finished in 2011, was crafted by the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team with an eco-friendly design. Solar panels supply the necessary power, and a thoughtfully designed landscape enhances air quality and generates energy. The property also features its own wind turbine, providing an economical source of clean energy.

    5.Self-Sufficient Home, Sierra

    This modern home showcases the innovative use of alternative construction techniques. Its walls are crafted from rammed earth with straw bales providing excellent, cost-effective insulation. Inside, salvaged lumber is used for siding, beams, and flooring, while the kitchen countertops are fashioned from recycled glass. Photovoltaic panels minimize the home’s reliance on the power grid, and solar heating is used for water.

    6.Treetop Home, Mill Valley

    This home earned the first Platinum certification of LEED for Homes in 2010, highlighting its exceptional resource efficiency. Its environmentally conscious design harmonizes with its hilltop location, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Additionally, the house is optimized to maximize the use of PV solar panels for passive heating.

    7.Upcycled Shipping Container Home, Mojave Desert

    In California’s arid landscapes sits a home crafted from recycled shipping containers, a design gaining popularity for its sustainability. Utilizing Ecotech principles, these repurposed containers offer affordable and durable construction materials capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. The property features expansive windows that maximize natural light, reducing energy consumption. Over time, repurposed containers have proven to be effective shelter solutions during times of disaster.

    8.EcoVillage at Ithaca

    The suburban village in upstate New York consists of three distinct co-housing neighborhoods focused on minimizing ecological impact. Through environmentally responsible design and construction practices, the community is successfully advancing this goal. Alternative energy sources like photovoltaics and solar panels are integrated into the homes, alongside technologies for water collection and storage.

    9.East Bay Idea House

    The Idea House, featuring decks overlooking the San Francisco Bay, is built using sustainable materials. From reclaimed wood used for wide-plank flooring to salvaged materials in the fencing, the home significantly minimizes its environmental footprint and energy consumption.

    10.Bear Creek Dome, North Branch

      Another eco-friendly home designed in a geodesic dome shape, known for using 60% fewer materials than traditional box-shaped homes. Geodesic domes are highly efficient in conserving energy, explaining their increasing popularity. This dome home features excellent airflow for natural cooling and heating. It includes triple-pane tempered glass windows for substantial energy savings, along with 16 inches of insulation and radiant floor heating. The central fireplace provides heat throughout the home during winter.