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Framing for the space begins to take shape, which cost the couple $1800. Sitework came to a total of $5000, and the electrical, shown above, required a $5825 investment.

Demolition debris accumulates in the driveway, while a new concrete slab is about to be poured. The pair needed a new roof, too, which ate up $4000 of the budget.

Though the front of this 1880s home in Adelaide, Australia, maintains a traditional facade due to strict heritage laws, the rear is modern eye candy at its best. See more of the home.

Pool and deck view

The final, layered look of the pool and its surroundings—which mitigates a 30-inch drop from house to guesthouse—was completed in 2008.

Benjamin Moore's Swiss Coffee compliments the exterior's clean lines and natural surroundings.

“It feels good to be part of an ecological, sustainable future,” says Marie Granmar, who lives full-time in the three-level naturhus built by her partner, Charles Sacilotto.

As an evolution of Warne’s original concept, Anders designed his naturhus with an “eco-cycle system,” in which nutrients from household wastewater are dissolved in tanks in the basement and used in garden beds to nourish the plants.

Anders Solvarm has become somewhat of a keeper of the Swedish naturhus legacy. He consulted with Warne when designing his home. Most of its exterior structure is made with tempered, four-millimeter glass.

Automated glass panels in the roof open and close to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse and core home and protect against common garden pests, heavy wind, and snow. “The glass is UV-protected, so you don’t have to worry about burning,” Roja says.

The home’s primary bedroom includes access to a private deck and lush rear garden. Globe pendants are featured throughout the home, most of which are original.

The kitchen, remodeled by the current owners, includes cork floors, marble countertops, Ikea cabinets, Samsung refrigerator and oven, Zephyr hood, and a Bosch dishwasher. A wall that once separated the kitchen and dining room was removed in favor of a walnut surround.

The home’s main living level includes clerestory windows, and oak hardwood flooring.

The sleek look of the Nomad portable fire pit pairs perfectly with modern architecture.

For outdoor entertaining, Tohst's portable fire pits are a must.

When it's not lit, the Nomad still makes for a striking design piece, adding a pop of color to your backyard or pool deck.

As a bonus, choosing TimberTech is a green building practice that contributes to a home’s LEED certification. Not only are the products made with majority recycled materials, but the capped polymer decking also stays up to 30°F cooler than that of the leading competitor, reducing heat radiation into the home.