Turning a barn into an energy-smart home
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
Some call it a "dome home," but the technical term is a geodesic dome.
A geodesic design uses triangles to create a super-strong sphere structure. The shape encloses the most amount of space with the least amount of materials, making these homes very economical and earth-friendly.
The most famous geodesic dome in the world is "Spaceship Earth" at Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park.
The freestanding dome shape allows tremendous flexibility in the placement of walls and the size and shape of rooms. Nooks and crannies can be used for storage and play space.
The high open ceiling provides great ventilation and bright sunlight all day long. In the summer, warm air rises along the curved walls and escapes through windows in the top of the dome, providing natural air conditioning.
A century-old barn gets the ultimate makeover - with lots of energy-smart technology.
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.
Your roof and attic play the most crucial role in your home's energy efficiency system, reducing your energy costs during the winter and summer.
Check out a new neighborhood concept and see how one builder is changing the way homes are built with a goal to use zero energy.
Modular homes are built in a factory under controlled conditions, then shipped to the homesite and placed on a permanent foundation.
Learn about some of the changes for new homes built today. An expert highlights some of the things to consider when building a new home.
Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.
You have energy efficient and sustainable options when it comes to framing your new home.
An energy rater can help make your new home more energy-efficient through every stage of the construction process.