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EcoHouse Showcases

Since 1997, every year, the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) invites electronic submission of built eco projects.
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See how a house is really built out of straw these days! Designed for complete energy efficiency, these straw bale homes are in Crestone, Colorado.
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This short view of an “off the grid” home provides inspiration that we can integrate creativity, simplicity and reliable technology into our modern living spaces. During a video shoot for a solar energy documentary, Peter Walker discovered Ken Anderson from Edge Architects, an architect design firm which has intelligently integrated both high and low tech systems.
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A ground breaking demonstration development designed to give a glimpse of how the future delivery of sustainable buildings and communities can be achieved not only in the UK but around the world. It features seven of the world’s most sustainable houses (built to the Code for sustainable homes), a health centre of the future and over 300 different construction innovations and emerging technologies as well as a state of the art community landscape design.
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A live-in research laboratory, this 6,000 gsf residence hall serves as a testing ground for smart and sustainable technologies. Initially developed by a student as a senior thesis, the Smart Home Program has evolved to include the participation of over 450 students.
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Futuristic solar house model.
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Great photo gallery of solar home projects in Nova Scotia! From solar air heating, retrofits to the latest solar home design…
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Located in the cooler central Utah climate at 6,000 ft. elevation, the Allan’s Solar home integrates seven different forms of collection: trombe wall, solarium convection, photo-voltaic cells, propylene-glycol heat exchange, eutectic salt chamber, berm-insulation, black chimneys for passive solar air-conditioner.
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Features: passive solar, timber-framed construction with vaulted ceilings, a composting toilet, off-grid power production, rainwater collection, … based on historic building design adapted to the local environment.
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Natural cooling and heating system. Windmill electricity generation. Nature friendly material use. Rain water use. Solar energy collection. Compost heat use. Methane gas from the septic tank. Cleansing ponds with photosynthesis.
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Showcase site by the owner of this passive solar house that features earth shelter design, geothermal exchange, and energy recycling. Includes plans, documents the construction and explains the efficiency of the design.
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Well-insulated house with reflective passive solar heating, 100% self-sufficient in electrical energy (solar + wind), gravity based water collection and distribution system that does not need pumps, …
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Monolithic dome house with passive solar energy. Thin-shell concrete structure.
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Thornhill ecohouse is a three bedroom family house that was designed to be beautiful and comfortable to live in but which was as compatible with sustainable living as we could make it. We wanted to reduce our impact on the planet while enhancing quality of life and biodiversity.
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A green demonstration home near Seattle, Washington, that showcases energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, water conservation, green building practices, sustainably produced materials, and natural landscaping. The site provides information on how the home was designed and constructed, as well as how it performs.
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Partially earth-sheltered self-built home. This house was made to house our family whilst we worked in the woodland surrounding the house doing ecological woodland management and setting up a forest garden, things that would have been impossible had we had to pay a regular rent or mortgage.
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The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK’s first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Project members live a holistic way of life in harmony with the environment, in which all ecological impacts have been considered and accounted for. The residents of the five houses generate their own clean energy, harvest their own water and recycle waste materials causing no pollution or carbon dioxide emissions.
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Unbiased solar electricity & hot water, efficient appliances, wetback, sustainable material advise – tour the Solar Energy House, Meadowbank, Auckland.
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In 1998 the Florida Solar Energy Center began its Zero Energy Homes research program in collaboration with the City of Lakeland municipal utility and builder Rick Strawbridge. Two homes, one the builder’s standard model (the Control) and the other a super-energy-efficient photovoltaic residence (PVRES), were constructed and tested on a side-by-side basis for more than a year.
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Canada

Great photo gallery of solar home projects in Nova Scotia! From solar air heating, retrofits to the latest solar home design…
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Conventional Houses and Projects with Lower Impact

Thornhill ecohouse is a three bedroom family house that was designed to be beautiful and comfortable to live in but which was as compatible with sustainable living as we could make it. We wanted to reduce our impact on the planet while enhancing quality of life and biodiversity.
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A green demonstration home near Seattle, Washington, that showcases energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, water conservation, green building practices, sustainably produced materials, and natural landscaping. The site provides information on how the home was designed and constructed, as well as how it performs.
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Earth-sheltered Houses

Partially earth-sheltered self-built home. This house was made to house our family whilst we worked in the woodland surrounding the house doing ecological woodland management and setting up a forest garden, things that would have been impossible had we had to pay a regular rent or mortgage.
View Profile
The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK’s first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Project members live a holistic way of life in harmony with the environment, in which all ecological impacts have been considered and accounted for. The residents of the five houses generate their own clean energy, harvest their own water and recycle waste materials causing no pollution or carbon dioxide emissions.
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EcoHouses @ YouTube

See how a house is really built out of straw these days! Designed for complete energy efficiency, these straw bale homes are in Crestone, Colorado.
View Profile
This short view of an “off the grid” home provides inspiration that we can integrate creativity, simplicity and reliable technology into our modern living spaces. During a video shoot for a solar energy documentary, Peter Walker discovered Ken Anderson from Edge Architects, an architect design firm which has intelligently integrated both high and low tech systems.
View Profile

Germany

Futuristic solar house model.
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Larger Building Projects with Lower Impact

A ground breaking demonstration development designed to give a glimpse of how the future delivery of sustainable buildings and communities can be achieved not only in the UK but around the world. It features seven of the world’s most sustainable houses (built to the Code for sustainable homes), a health centre of the future and over 300 different construction innovations and emerging technologies as well as a state of the art community landscape design.
View Profile
A live-in research laboratory, this 6,000 gsf residence hall serves as a testing ground for smart and sustainable technologies. Initially developed by a student as a senior thesis, the Smart Home Program has evolved to include the participation of over 450 students.
View Profile

Other Architectural Eco House Sources

Since 1997, every year, the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) invites electronic submission of built eco projects.
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Retrofit Eco Houses

Unbiased solar electricity & hot water, efficient appliances, wetback, sustainable material advise – tour the Solar Energy House, Meadowbank, Auckland.
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In 1998 the Florida Solar Energy Center began its Zero Energy Homes research program in collaboration with the City of Lakeland municipal utility and builder Rick Strawbridge. Two homes, one the builder’s standard model (the Control) and the other a super-energy-efficient photovoltaic residence (PVRES), were constructed and tested on a side-by-side basis for more than a year.
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Unconventional Houses with Lower Impact

Natural cooling and heating system. Windmill electricity generation. Nature friendly material use. Rain water use. Solar energy collection. Compost heat use. Methane gas from the septic tank. Cleansing ponds with photosynthesis.
View Profile
Showcase site by the owner of this passive solar house that features earth shelter design, geothermal exchange, and energy recycling. Includes plans, documents the construction and explains the efficiency of the design.
View Profile
Monolithic dome house with passive solar energy. Thin-shell concrete structure.
View Profile

USA

Located in the cooler central Utah climate at 6,000 ft. elevation, the Allan’s Solar home integrates seven different forms of collection: trombe wall, solarium convection, photo-voltaic cells, propylene-glycol heat exchange, eutectic salt chamber, berm-insulation, black chimneys for passive solar air-conditioner.
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Features: passive solar, timber-framed construction with vaulted ceilings, a composting toilet, off-grid power production, rainwater collection, … based on historic building design adapted to the local environment.
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Passive Solar Home Design Gallery

Architect
Extensive experience and take joy in designing with alternative materials such as strawbale, autoclaved aerated concrete, insulated concrete forms and adobe.

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Wellington, New Zealand for your environmentally sustainable designs. Specialized in sustainable design and solar architecture, passive and active solar heating, natural ventilation, and temperature management. View Aonui Architecture’s portfolio, to see innovative designs for new residential work, transport terminals, sports facilities, hospitality and tourism facilities, commercial buildings and refurbishments, office fit-outs, retail areas.

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is a unique design & construction service. We design energy efficient passive solar homes and organize their construction in conjunction with a number of nominated builders. We make energy efficient passive solar homes affordable for as many people as possible. Working closely with you to understand your lifestyle and budget, we design a naturally light, airy home that will be warmed by winter sun and cooled by summer breezes.

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The energy-efficient design features passive and active solar technology, on-site power generation and recycled waste water. It was designed by Sydney eco architect Gareth Cole in conjunction with the owners, utilizing appropriate design, materials and technologies to create a comfortable home that is autonomous, self-sufficient and makes very little impact on its environment.

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designed this passive solar house, situated in bush land near Perth. Built as a retirement retreat, the simple and inexpensive house has been designed to maximize passive solar design principles using reverse brick veneer and double brick construction. The house is run using little power with energy efficient lighting and appliances contributing to the savings, while rain water collection supplements scheme water.

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Architects Andrea Wilson and Roderick Simpson formed Simpson Wilson Architects in 1990. Since then they have received widespread acknowledgement as leaders in sustainable design and socially aware architecture.

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TT Architecture has operated in Canberra since commencement and has a strong commitment to fostering regionally based architectural values and an appreciation of environmentally sustainable design principles. We have established a reputation for being leaders in sustainable design and energy efficiency, reinforced by the numerous awards to our name.

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Architect. The Sullivan Residence, pictured at left, is a Wisconsin High-Performance Home. This residence was honored with a first-place National Award by the National Association of Homebuilders Research Institute. It was selected as the best Innovative/Advanced home in a Cold-climate Region.

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Point White House, A passive solar home designed by Award-winning Architect, Matthew Coates, AIA, recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a LEED accredited professional. This design uses reclaimed siding, passive solar, thermal mass walls, radiant heating, storm water collection, low water-use appliances/equipment, all low VOC natural finishes and more.

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Barley & Pfeiffer Architects is an award-winning, contemporary architecture firm that specializes in green building, solar houses and sustainable architecture.

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Building & design company, sells also plans. New custom home designs incorporating higher level conservation and solar technologies with style, comfort, security, and affordability. Sunterra Designs are available for sale and include the Conservation Guidebookdetailed building science information.

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Architect in Northern New Mexico. Pioneering passive solar sustainable architecture, ground-breaking architecture for Native American Tribes and Pueblos done in traditional native idioms, virtual reality and QTVR reconstructions of archaeological “Anasazi” sites in the Southwest US

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Santa Fe & Taos, New Mexico: architectural services for creative design, solar green building, custom residences, and pre-drawn house plans by Joaquin Karcher, Dipl.Ing. Master of Architecture. We offer ultra-low energy home design that gives you freedom from utility costs. Passive House Design allows you to personally address the climate change challenge while increasing your individual comfort and expressing your aesthetic standards.

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are custom designed by Gary Watrous, AIA, of Watrous Associates Architects P.S.C., a Louisville solar architectural firm. These homes are designed according to nationally recognized standards of the Passive Solar Industries Council. Watrous Associates specializes in the use of passive solar techniques to design beautiful, light-filled, energy-efficient buildings for a range of purposes.

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specializing in organic architecture, passive and active solar and alternative energy conservation. Located in Chicago, serving Illinois and the Mid West.

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Doerr Architecture – Colorado architect specializing in sustainable design including passive solar home design. Doerr Architecture offers beautiful, economical, sustainable design.
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AIA is a complete services firm that has specialized in passive solar and sustainable architectural design for over 35 years. David has written several books on passive solar architecture and has received the prestigious Passive Solar Pioneer Award from the American Solar Energy Society. Our motto is 35 years of greenness We are solar experts. The illustration shown is of the Beesley passive solar home. This off-grid, stand alone, passive solar home is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
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located on the Central Coast of California, constructs unique and creatively styled, environmentally-friendly homes. By blending sustainable building and passive solar techniques, as well as the most current materials and technologies, these homes are durable, energy efficient, and, above all, a delight to live in.

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  Since 1976, SLOSG has designed hundreds of passive solar residences.
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Sun Plans – Architect Debra Rucker Coleman, AIA is the owner of Sun Plans Inc. and has been designing passive solar homes since 1985. In 1990 she first published the house plan book Sun-Inspired Home Plans. Internet-based design services available.
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A small non-profit organization, dedicated to the exploration and education of natural, local and artistic building techniques Workshops in straw bale, earthen and lime plasters, earth floors, and natural paints. Development of low cost houses in the US and Mexico.

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Their technical expertise includes a range of both conventional and “green” building practices including: energy efficient and passive solar designs; natural day-lighting and ventilation systems, up to date knowledge of new materials and products; natural and recycled materials like earth, stone and timber “alternative” systems like solar hot water, grey water recycling, composting toilets, and independent electricity supplies.

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California

AIA is a complete services firm that has specialized in passive solar and sustainable architectural design for over 35 years. David has written several books on passive solar architecture and has received the prestigious Passive Solar Pioneer Award from the American Solar Energy Society. Our motto is 35 years of greenness We are solar experts. The illustration shown is of the Beesley passive solar home. This off-grid, stand alone, passive solar home is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.
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located on the Central Coast of California, constructs unique and creatively styled, environmentally-friendly homes. By blending sustainable building and passive solar techniques, as well as the most current materials and technologies, these homes are durable, energy efficient, and, above all, a delight to live in.

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  Since 1976, SLOSG has designed hundreds of passive solar residences.
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Colorado

Doerr Architecture – Colorado architect specializing in sustainable design including passive solar home design. Doerr Architecture offers beautiful, economical, sustainable design.
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Illinois

specializing in organic architecture, passive and active solar and alternative energy conservation. Located in Chicago, serving Illinois and the Mid West.

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Kentucky

are custom designed by Gary Watrous, AIA, of Watrous Associates Architects P.S.C., a Louisville solar architectural firm. These homes are designed according to nationally recognized standards of the Passive Solar Industries Council. Watrous Associates specializes in the use of passive solar techniques to design beautiful, light-filled, energy-efficient buildings for a range of purposes.

View Profile

New Mexico

Architect in Northern New Mexico. Pioneering passive solar sustainable architecture, ground-breaking architecture for Native American Tribes and Pueblos done in traditional native idioms, virtual reality and QTVR reconstructions of archaeological “Anasazi” sites in the Southwest US

View Profile

Santa Fe & Taos, New Mexico: architectural services for creative design, solar green building, custom residences, and pre-drawn house plans by Joaquin Karcher, Dipl.Ing. Master of Architecture. We offer ultra-low energy home design that gives you freedom from utility costs. Passive House Design allows you to personally address the climate change challenge while increasing your individual comfort and expressing your aesthetic standards.

View Profile

Oregon

Building & design company, sells also plans. New custom home designs incorporating higher level conservation and solar technologies with style, comfort, security, and affordability. Sunterra Designs are available for sale and include the Conservation Guidebookdetailed building science information.

View Profile

Passive Solar Home Design Gallery

Building & design company, sells also plans. New custom home designs incorporating higher level conservation and solar technologies with style, comfort, security, and affordability. Sunterra Designs are available for sale and include the Conservation Guidebookdetailed building science information.

View Profile
Sun Plans – Architect Debra Rucker Coleman, AIA is the owner of Sun Plans Inc. and has been designing passive solar homes since 1985. In 1990 she first published the house plan book Sun-Inspired Home Plans. Internet-based design services available.
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Passive Solar Houses Australia

is a unique design & construction service. We design energy efficient passive solar homes and organize their construction in conjunction with a number of nominated builders. We make energy efficient passive solar homes affordable for as many people as possible. Working closely with you to understand your lifestyle and budget, we design a naturally light, airy home that will be warmed by winter sun and cooled by summer breezes.

View Profile

The energy-efficient design features passive and active solar technology, on-site power generation and recycled waste water. It was designed by Sydney eco architect Gareth Cole in conjunction with the owners, utilizing appropriate design, materials and technologies to create a comfortable home that is autonomous, self-sufficient and makes very little impact on its environment.

View Profile

designed this passive solar house, situated in bush land near Perth. Built as a retirement retreat, the simple and inexpensive house has been designed to maximize passive solar design principles using reverse brick veneer and double brick construction. The house is run using little power with energy efficient lighting and appliances contributing to the savings, while rain water collection supplements scheme water.

View Profile

Architects Andrea Wilson and Roderick Simpson formed Simpson Wilson Architects in 1990. Since then they have received widespread acknowledgement as leaders in sustainable design and socially aware architecture.

View Profile

TT Architecture has operated in Canberra since commencement and has a strong commitment to fostering regionally based architectural values and an appreciation of environmentally sustainable design principles. We have established a reputation for being leaders in sustainable design and energy efficiency, reinforced by the numerous awards to our name.

View Profile

Passive Solar Houses New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand for your environmentally sustainable designs. Specialized in sustainable design and solar architecture, passive and active solar heating, natural ventilation, and temperature management. View Aonui Architecture’s portfolio, to see innovative designs for new residential work, transport terminals, sports facilities, hospitality and tourism facilities, commercial buildings and refurbishments, office fit-outs, retail areas.

View Profile

Texas

Barley & Pfeiffer Architects is an award-winning, contemporary architecture firm that specializes in green building, solar houses and sustainable architecture.

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Washington

Point White House, A passive solar home designed by Award-winning Architect, Matthew Coates, AIA, recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a LEED accredited professional. This design uses reclaimed siding, passive solar, thermal mass walls, radiant heating, storm water collection, low water-use appliances/equipment, all low VOC natural finishes and more.

View Profile

Wisconsin

Architect. The Sullivan Residence, pictured at left, is a Wisconsin High-Performance Home. This residence was honored with a first-place National Award by the National Association of Homebuilders Research Institute. It was selected as the best Innovative/Advanced home in a Cold-climate Region.

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Straw Bale Home Design Gallery

Homeowner & B&B
Designed by Unicorn House, this StrawBale House & fully self contained Bed & Breakfast was inspired by Country Style Magazine. won the 2002 Master Builders Association Award for the “Most Energy Efficient Home” in the North West Region of Victoria along with the “Best Custom Home” award in its respective price bracket.

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Designer – Builder
Award winning Energy Efficient and Environmentally Sustainable Design and Building firm located in Daylesford, Australia. Working with strawbale and other sustainable materials to create comfortable and beautiful homes. (also previously trading under the name Imagine Strawbale Constructions)

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Design, planning, building
A not-for-profit social enterprise, specializing in environmentally sensitive building – especially strawbale construction, low impact foundations and natural materials training groups of people in the use of such wonderful and renewable materials as straw, lime and clay. We also help with design, planning and building control permission; can offer full construction drawing services, demonstrations, workshops, presentations and mentoring for self-builders.

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Designer Builder Architect Writer
We believe that straw bale building is the most environmentally sound, efficient and attractive way of constructing homes to match the demands and expectations of modern life in our northern climate. These ideals of reduced environmental impact, energy efficiency and aesthetic beauty are the central motivation behind the building that we do.

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Designer, Builder
We offer full construction services with an experienced work crew. We have built cabins, large multiple-story homes and light commercial buildings using both load bearing and post-and-beam styles of straw bale construction. We are available as exterior wall systems sub-contractors. Or we can do the full nine yards – from design and foundation pouring to finishing and fine cabinetry. We are also happy to work alongside you and any other volunteer help you choose.

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Architecture, landscape and interior design
Including Feng Shui or intuitive energy balancing. Designing a comprehensive renewable energy system – exploring the nuances of creating net-low or zero energy homes. Detailed green specifications for all components, insuring healthy homes and reused/renewable/local materials.

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Architect
Katey Culver, permaculture designer ecoville architechs offers a full range of planning and design services, including new homes, remodels, historic restoration and interior design. Also consulting services for your energy efficient home, permaculture site and alternative energy options.

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Architect – Designer
This home is located in the beautiful and pristine Colstien Valley on the Oregon/California border. There are beautiful views of the surrounding valley as well as striking views of Mount Shasta. The home design was initialized by the client, and Organicforms Design provided construction documents, design consulting and modifications such as the south facing clerestory windows taking advantage of the passive solar opportunities that this beautiful site provides. The owners have documented their construction process in a blog

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Builder, Education
Andrew has a passion for straw bale construction that is matched only by his desire to teach his knowledge to others. Andrew is the creator and builder of the Straw Bale Village, a community of 15 straw bale homes in the National Historic Landmark City of Jacksonville, Oregon. He is a skilled, licensed General Contractor with experience in designing and building both conventional and straw bale homes. “The Straw Bale House Blog” is the official Blog of www.StrawBale.com, a world leader in straw bale education, hosted by Andrew Morrison, a Southern Oregon based contractor specializing in straw bale construction.

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Workshops
IronStraw Group is a 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to helping people build affordable environmentally friendly strawbale homes. IronStraw Group is passionate about its mission of Stronger Communities through Straw Building; the construction of low-income & affordable housing; and the education & promotion of straw as a standard building material including the development of Certified Contractors’ Programs.

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Architect
A New York and California licensed architecture firm, affiliated with Laura Lee Intscher, Architect.
Pictured here, Main Base is located in Vestal NY, and has a structural straw shed and steel frame straw bale infill main house. It is the first project built by Secret Base Design in cooperation with a local contractor. It has several cutting edge eco friendly features.

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Designer & Builder
A former Seattle architectural and aerospace model maker / machinist, Tom Lander turned into a full scale home builder. Tom has built two quality straw bale homes and numerous straw bale buildings in New Mexico. He specializes in designing, consulting, and building for owner builders.

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Publisher
A web site, DVD video, and book about the design and construction of straw bale solar hybrid homes. Topics include passive solar house design, straw bale home design, thermal mass walls, earth plaster for adobe and straw bale, the use of natural materials, rainwater cisterns, LEED and large buildings, and much more.

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Visitor Center
The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, set along the beautiful Platte River, is one of the largest straw bale constructed buildings in the United States. This education/visitor center not only provides office space for the staff, but also has a classroom/conference room, educational displays, a viewing area of the river and much more.

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Builder, Workshops
The Strawbale Studio is an enchanting 600 square foot thatched roof studio here in rural Oakland County, southeast Michigan. The studio features strawbale (stucco covered) walls, a round log frame, earthen floor, fieldstone foundation, a loft, and beautiful artwork. We hope you enjoy reading about the history of the project and learning about upcoming events and opportunities.

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Builder
Specializing in sustainable building techniques such as straw bale and earthship design as well as renewable energy systems such as solar electric and solar thermal, Ecobuilders is as much an educational leader as it is an industry leader. Ecobuilders has just released the first in a series of up-to-date and comprehensive instructional DVDs on building with strawbale.

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Designer, Builder
Natural architecture and straw bale zero energy homes. Located on a historic family ranch alongside hundred year old buildings, this zero energy straw bale refuge redefines the concept of the western homestead in the contemporary context of sustainability. Solar hot water for in-floor radiant heat augments passive solar design. Photovoltaics provide power, while earth from the well drilling was used for interior plaster.

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 Architect, Designer, Builder
Alternative Natural Environmental Architecture. Sustainable, alternative, instinctive, handcrafted, breathable and healthy are descriptive terms that help define the Madeen Architectural approach.
Building Materials Include: Adobe, Strawbale, Rammed Earth, Pumicecrete, Reclaimed Materials, Responsibly Harvested Lumber, & More. Designs Include: Passive Solar, Solar Photovoltaic Electric, Solar Hot Water, Radiant Floor Heat, Geothermal Heating & Cooling, & More.

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 Nature & Visitor Centre One the first civic buildings to be built out of straw bale in the United States. Designed by DSA Architects with fellow architect Greg VanMechelen. Environmental features include: Straw Bale Exterior Walls, Passive Solar Design, Building Integrated Photovoltaics, Hot Water Solar Panels for Radiant Heating System, Natural Linoleum Floors, Interior Walls from compressed straw panels, Recycled and Sustainably Harvested Wood Framing Cabinetry from Wheat Straw particleboard, Countertops made from Recycled Glass.

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Architect
Paragon Designs offers a mix of efficient talents and skills for a full-service design and construction team. Services range from designing custom homes, restoration of historic homes, construction of small commercial buildings to management of both large and small-scale projects. Offering Graphic Design, Project Renderings, Environmental Design, Healthy Homes, Feng Shui Analysis, Historical Restoration, Cost Estimates, Development and Site Supervision.

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Winery Owner
In 1995 Clay and Fredericka completed construction on their new and permanent winery building. This structure, a noteworthy example of environmental architecture, is a “straw bale building,” the first of its kind in California. With sixteen-inch thick walls made of bales of rice straw, the winery is so well insulated that it maintains a constant cellar temperature, without the need for mechanical cooling or heating.

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Architect
Hands-on construction and workshop experience. Teach on-going sustainable design courses, led straw bale workshops, as well as organized workshops for others.

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Architect
DSA Architects offer a wide range of architectural services, from consulting to complete design services. They pursue sustainable design approaches, such as passive solar design, and their buildings incorporate resource efficient building systems like straw-bale houses pictured here.

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Builder & Workshops
A small non-profit organization, dedicated to the exploration and education of natural, local and artistic building techniques Workshops in straw bale, earthen and lime plasters, earth floors, and natural paints. Development of low cost houses in the US and Mexico.

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Architect
The Hubbell & Hubbell team creates places that heal the soul and renew the spirit. We are a unique family-owned firm committed to integrating nature-centered art and architecture in environmentally friendly private and public spaces. Artist James Hubbell has developed projects all over the world for more than 40 years. Architect Drew Hubbell has pioneered the permitting of straw bales as a building material in the city and county of San Diego.

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Architect
Extensive experience and take joy in designing with alternative materials such as strawbale, autoclaved aerated concrete, insulated concrete forms and adobe.

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located on the Central Coast of California, constructs unique and creatively styled, environmentally-friendly homes. By blending sustainable building and passive solar techniques, as well as the most current materials and technologies, these homes are durable, energy efficient, and, above all, a delight to live in.

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DVD publisher: A step by step system that shows you exactly how to build a straw bale house
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The Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) is a consulting and research firm working to further the implementation of passive house standards and techniques nationwide by constructing, measuring, and verifying performance of passive houses in all US climate zones, creating design guidelines for passive houses in all climate zones, providing energy calculation and consulting services, …
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A step by step system that shows you exactly how to build a straw bale house
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Builder & Workshops
Located on the Central Coast of California, constructs unique and creatively styled, environmentally-friendly homes. By blending sustainable building and passive solar techniques, as well as the most current materials and technologies, these homes are durable, energy efficient, and, above all, a delight to live in.

View Profile

Architect
Extensive experience and take joy in designing with alternative materials such as strawbale, autoclaved aerated concrete, insulated concrete forms and adobe.

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Arizona

Builder & Workshops
A small non-profit organization, dedicated to the exploration and education of natural, local and artistic building techniques Workshops in straw bale, earthen and lime plasters, earth floors, and natural paints. Development of low cost houses in the US and Mexico.

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California

 Nature & Visitor Centre One the first civic buildings to be built out of straw bale in the United States. Designed by DSA Architects with fellow architect Greg VanMechelen. Environmental features include: Straw Bale Exterior Walls, Passive Solar Design, Building Integrated Photovoltaics, Hot Water Solar Panels for Radiant Heating System, Natural Linoleum Floors, Interior Walls from compressed straw panels, Recycled and Sustainably Harvested Wood Framing Cabinetry from Wheat Straw particleboard, Countertops made from Recycled Glass.

View Profile

Architect
Paragon Designs offers a mix of efficient talents and skills for a full-service design and construction team. Services range from designing custom homes, restoration of historic homes, construction of small commercial buildings to management of both large and small-scale projects. Offering Graphic Design, Project Renderings, Environmental Design, Healthy Homes, Feng Shui Analysis, Historical Restoration, Cost Estimates, Development and Site Supervision.

View Profile

Winery Owner
In 1995 Clay and Fredericka completed construction on their new and permanent winery building. This structure, a noteworthy example of environmental architecture, is a “straw bale building,” the first of its kind in California. With sixteen-inch thick walls made of bales of rice straw, the winery is so well insulated that it maintains a constant cellar temperature, without the need for mechanical cooling or heating.

View Profile

Architect
Hands-on construction and workshop experience. Teach on-going sustainable design courses, led straw bale workshops, as well as organized workshops for others.

View Profile

Architect
DSA Architects offer a wide range of architectural services, from consulting to complete design services. They pursue sustainable design approaches, such as passive solar design, and their buildings incorporate resource efficient building systems like straw-bale houses pictured here.

View Profile

Architect
The Hubbell & Hubbell team creates places that heal the soul and renew the spirit. We are a unique family-owned firm committed to integrating nature-centered art and architecture in environmentally friendly private and public spaces. Artist James Hubbell has developed projects all over the world for more than 40 years. Architect Drew Hubbell has pioneered the permitting of straw bales as a building material in the city and county of San Diego.

View Profile

Architect
Extensive experience and take joy in designing with alternative materials such as strawbale, autoclaved aerated concrete, insulated concrete forms and adobe.

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located on the Central Coast of California, constructs unique and creatively styled, environmentally-friendly homes. By blending sustainable building and passive solar techniques, as well as the most current materials and technologies, these homes are durable, energy efficient, and, above all, a delight to live in.

View Profile

Colorado

Builder
Specializing in sustainable building techniques such as straw bale and earthship design as well as renewable energy systems such as solar electric and solar thermal, Ecobuilders is as much an educational leader as it is an industry leader. Ecobuilders has just released the first in a series of up-to-date and comprehensive instructional DVDs on building with strawbale.

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Designer, Builder
Natural architecture and straw bale zero energy homes. Located on a historic family ranch alongside hundred year old buildings, this zero energy straw bale refuge redefines the concept of the western homestead in the contemporary context of sustainability. Solar hot water for in-floor radiant heat augments passive solar design. Photovoltaics provide power, while earth from the well drilling was used for interior plaster.

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 Architect, Designer, Builder
Alternative Natural Environmental Architecture. Sustainable, alternative, instinctive, handcrafted, breathable and healthy are descriptive terms that help define the Madeen Architectural approach.
Building Materials Include: Adobe, Strawbale, Rammed Earth, Pumicecrete, Reclaimed Materials, Responsibly Harvested Lumber, & More. Designs Include: Passive Solar, Solar Photovoltaic Electric, Solar Hot Water, Radiant Floor Heat, Geothermal Heating & Cooling, & More.

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Michigan

Builder, Workshops
The Strawbale Studio is an enchanting 600 square foot thatched roof studio here in rural Oakland County, southeast Michigan. The studio features strawbale (stucco covered) walls, a round log frame, earthen floor, fieldstone foundation, a loft, and beautiful artwork. We hope you enjoy reading about the history of the project and learning about upcoming events and opportunities.

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Nebraska

Visitor Center
The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, set along the beautiful Platte River, is one of the largest straw bale constructed buildings in the United States. This education/visitor center not only provides office space for the staff, but also has a classroom/conference room, educational displays, a viewing area of the river and much more.

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New Mexico

Publisher
A web site, DVD video, and book about the design and construction of straw bale solar hybrid homes. Topics include passive solar house design, straw bale home design, thermal mass walls, earth plaster for adobe and straw bale, the use of natural materials, rainwater cisterns, LEED and large buildings, and much more.

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New York

Architect
A New York and California licensed architecture firm, affiliated with Laura Lee Intscher, Architect.
Pictured here, Main Base is located in Vestal NY, and has a structural straw shed and steel frame straw bale infill main house. It is the first project built by Secret Base Design in cooperation with a local contractor. It has several cutting edge eco friendly features.

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Designer & Builder
A former Seattle architectural and aerospace model maker / machinist, Tom Lander turned into a full scale home builder. Tom has built two quality straw bale homes and numerous straw bale buildings in New Mexico. He specializes in designing, consulting, and building for owner builders.

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Ontario

Designer, Builder
We offer full construction services with an experienced work crew. We have built cabins, large multiple-story homes and light commercial buildings using both load bearing and post-and-beam styles of straw bale construction. We are available as exterior wall systems sub-contractors. Or we can do the full nine yards – from design and foundation pouring to finishing and fine cabinetry. We are also happy to work alongside you and any other volunteer help you choose.

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Oregon

Architect – Designer
This home is located in the beautiful and pristine Colstien Valley on the Oregon/California border. There are beautiful views of the surrounding valley as well as striking views of Mount Shasta. The home design was initialized by the client, and Organicforms Design provided construction documents, design consulting and modifications such as the south facing clerestory windows taking advantage of the passive solar opportunities that this beautiful site provides. The owners have documented their construction process in a blog

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Builder, Education
Andrew has a passion for straw bale construction that is matched only by his desire to teach his knowledge to others. Andrew is the creator and builder of the Straw Bale Village, a community of 15 straw bale homes in the National Historic Landmark City of Jacksonville, Oregon. He is a skilled, licensed General Contractor with experience in designing and building both conventional and straw bale homes. “The Straw Bale House Blog” is the official Blog of www.StrawBale.com, a world leader in straw bale education, hosted by Andrew Morrison, a Southern Oregon based contractor specializing in straw bale construction.

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Workshops
IronStraw Group is a 501(c)(3) educational organization dedicated to helping people build affordable environmentally friendly strawbale homes. IronStraw Group is passionate about its mission of Stronger Communities through Straw Building; the construction of low-income & affordable housing; and the education & promotion of straw as a standard building material including the development of Certified Contractors’ Programs.

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Saskatchewan

Designer Builder Architect Writer
We believe that straw bale building is the most environmentally sound, efficient and attractive way of constructing homes to match the demands and expectations of modern life in our northern climate. These ideals of reduced environmental impact, energy efficiency and aesthetic beauty are the central motivation behind the building that we do.

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Straw Bale House Building – EU

Design, planning, building
A not-for-profit social enterprise, specializing in environmentally sensitive building – especially strawbale construction, low impact foundations and natural materials training groups of people in the use of such wonderful and renewable materials as straw, lime and clay. We also help with design, planning and building control permission; can offer full construction drawing services, demonstrations, workshops, presentations and mentoring for self-builders.

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Straw Bale House Building – Resources

DVD publisher: A step by step system that shows you exactly how to build a straw bale house
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Tennessee

Architect
Katey Culver, permaculture designer ecoville architechs offers a full range of planning and design services, including new homes, remodels, historic restoration and interior design. Also consulting services for your energy efficient home, permaculture site and alternative energy options.

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Victoria

Homeowner & B&B
Designed by Unicorn House, this StrawBale House & fully self contained Bed & Breakfast was inspired by Country Style Magazine. won the 2002 Master Builders Association Award for the “Most Energy Efficient Home” in the North West Region of Victoria along with the “Best Custom Home” award in its respective price bracket.

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Designer – Builder
Award winning Energy Efficient and Environmentally Sustainable Design and Building firm located in Daylesford, Australia. Working with strawbale and other sustainable materials to create comfortable and beautiful homes. (also previously trading under the name Imagine Strawbale Constructions)

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Washington, D.C.

Architecture, landscape and interior design
Including Feng Shui or intuitive energy balancing. Designing a comprehensive renewable energy system – exploring the nuances of creating net-low or zero energy homes. Detailed green specifications for all components, insuring healthy homes and reused/renewable/local materials.

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