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Collection by Erika Heet

Green Renovations

Building green can be a challenge to really pull off—not to mention afford—but as the following seven houses from our pages show, the payback is huge.

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A band of clerestory windows illuminates the interior. The walls are recycled brick, whose thermal mass insulates the house. "One of the most challenging aspects of the build was negotiating a tight budget; however it was also one of the most exciting aspects and led in part to the refined palette of raw materials which give the home so much of its character and echo the pastural vernacular of the old cow shed," says Carter.
A band of clerestory windows illuminates the interior. The walls are recycled brick, whose thermal mass insulates the house. "One of the most challenging aspects of the build was negotiating a tight budget; however it was also one of the most exciting aspects and led in part to the refined palette of raw materials which give the home so much of its character and echo the pastural vernacular of the old cow shed," says Carter.
Mary Henning and Ann Wansbrough's renovation of a semidetached cottage enables them to use 75 percent less town water than the average two-person home.
Mary Henning and Ann Wansbrough's renovation of a semidetached cottage enables them to use 75 percent less town water than the average two-person home.
Here's a view from the kitchen looking through the opened sliding glass walls toward the backyard. The accessories on the dining table are by Muuto. Polly used recycled wood for the staircase treads and handrail.
Here's a view from the kitchen looking through the opened sliding glass walls toward the backyard. The accessories on the dining table are by Muuto. Polly used recycled wood for the staircase treads and handrail.
Moreland House
Moreland House
When it’s time to eat or do homework, the adults lower the tabletop, revealing a dozen book cubbies.
When it’s time to eat or do homework, the adults lower the tabletop, revealing a dozen book cubbies.
The Harris family rests easy on their new back patio abutting the Belvedere lagoon. The first order of business for this green remodel was to reconnect the house with its surroundings.
The Harris family rests easy on their new back patio abutting the Belvedere lagoon. The first order of business for this green remodel was to reconnect the house with its surroundings.