Alternative Building Materials
A new home is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the latest advances in building materials - or try a few old-fashioned ones.
A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.
An insulated concrete form [ICF] system uses hollow foam blocks filled with concrete to build the foundation or even the whole house.
Today's log homes deliver a warm and cozy environment, along with energy efficiency.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.
Instead of a timber-framed home, consider building with studs made of recycled steel.
With 18-inch-thick walls, straw bale homes can have an insulating value of R-50.
SIPs, also called foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are sheets of foam insulation sandwiched between oriented strand board or another type of composition wood.
Using the sun's stored energy to heat your home reduces your conventional energy consumption.
