A “green” home is a home that is highly energy efficient, has an excellent indoor environment, and is built to exceed local building codes. so they are ugly? Does it look like the Jetsons’ space age house? So obvious that they would stick out like a sore thumb? No. No. and No. An ecological house looks like a conventional construction inside and out.
The beginning of a green house is a set of plans that begins with a conventional floor plan and elevations. Then, an experienced green home builder will modify the home’s systems to fit the features of a green home and energy-saving currencies: a geothermal system instead of air conditioning; underfloor heating instead of a conventional natural gas forced air system; a gray water recovery system; energy efficient windows, doors, appliances and water heaters; and high-quality insulation with a high ‘R’ rating.
The best part is that these systems work very differently than their conventional counterparts, but are invisible to the owner and their guests. The home will be quieter and cleaner without the dust and noise of conventional forced air heating. And the energy cost savings are substantial, depending on your particular situation.
Energy Star appliances use electricity but are similar or identical to your current appliances. And cabinets and trim can be identical to conventional homes or use recycled material or eco-friendly woods for greener alternatives.
The siding and shingles on the exterior of the house are no different from a conventional house, making the house blend in perfectly with its neighborhood. However, the market value is probably higher than the surrounding houses due to its energy saving advantages and tax incentives.
So a green house is a beautiful swan, not an ugly duckling at all!