Architecture and Design

Get an in-depth look at a near-zero energy house featuring recycled materials and solar-heating and rainwater-harvesting systems

Video tours and takeaways from Portland's Build It Green! 2008 event

With the right fixtures in the right places, you can create anything from a soft glow to clear task lightingby Matthew Teague

Solar panels aside, you can’t see the upgrades that make this downtown remodel so energy efficientby Richard Renner

A contest-winning design squeezes a vaulted living room, a master suite, and room to breathe onto a pencil-thin lotby Roxana Vargas Greenan, Trent Greenan

Passive survivability is a life-safety issue. How long could you live in your house without power or fuel?by Alex Wilson

What sort of house can you build on a 25 ft. by 100 ft. lot? An architect walks you through her award-winning design.by Roxana Vargas Greenan

Reports from three case studies outline what it takes to achieve LEED for Home's silver, gold, and platinum ratingsby Sean Groom

LEED for Homes is a new, comprehensive national certification program for green, energy-efficient homes. Builders who’ve tried it like it, but will it change the way houses are built?by Sean Groom

A first-time owner/builder with a modest budget pools talent and resources to create an energy-efficient cottage with rich Craftsman detailsby Brett Salter

An innovative solar-heating system is the foundation of an artist’s small country house, where an equally smart plan accommodates both life and workby Charles Miller

Common-sense solutions for creating homes that are self-reliant, resilient, and versatileby David Johnston, Scott Gibson

Architect Stephen Tilly crafts and uncommon speculative home that is influenced by its neighborhoodby Mark Feirer

Compact and beautiful, mkLotus is a zero-energy house with major appeal by Tim Schmidt

Testing an attainable approach to green practices, an architect designs his own home for a friendly fit in a historic districtby Michael McDonough

Faced with strict historic building guidelines, an architect gets clever to stay greenby Michael McDonough

Innovative site work and a thoughtful floor plan preserve views and a stand of mature pine treesby Eric Odor

With low-maintenance exteriors, accessible floor plans, and special attention to day-to-day convenience, these two houses can accommodate the changing needs of their aging baby-boomer ownersby Brian Pontolilo

An architect designs a small in-town house that uses sustainable materials, solar energy, and water conservation to improve quality of life (and afford it)by Christopher Stafford