A Green Model Home

Front Yard: At first look, the ABC Green Home isn't much different in appearance than many homes that have been built here recently. In fact, architect Manny Gonzalez designed the exterior to look similar to the Craftsman-style homes that were built in many of the county's older cities. However, every element of design and building kept to a strict standard of highly efficient energy usage, eco-friendly materials and universal access for people of all sizes and abilities.

Entry/Living Room: The walls are thicker than normal houses, using two-by-six studs instead of the traditional two-by-four, and spread two feet apart instead of the usual 16 inches. This design keeps overall lumber usage lower and allows more space for insulation. Rooms are quieter and better able to maintain an even temperature, lowering heating and cooling costs.

Kitchen: The kitchen is part of the open living room design and features lower counter tops, a microwave oven at waist height in the island and a wider aisle.

Bedroom: Low-voltage computing allows home owners to draw the blinds, lock or unlock doors, and dim or turn lights on or off remotely. Carpets are made from recycled materials, and the paint and wallpaper are non-toxic, zero-emission products for improved air quality.

Bathroom: Tiling in the shower helps maintain a steady temperature in the shower, with lower counter tops and a water recycling system that takes gray water from the tap to supplement the low-flow toilets.

Laundry Room: A heat exchange pump uses electricity to heat and cool the house and water. The solar-powered house offers homeowners a chance to keep their monthly electric bill low in some months or receive energy credits in others for a net-zero overall cost.

Backyard: The solar panels on the back of the house improve the look from the street but provide all the power the house needs. The landscaping includes a drip irrigation system, and rain water drains through the pavers, eventually being re-used in a filtration system to water the garden. The garage is connected to the house, but has a separate door, keeping car exhaust fumes – typically the most toxic in a house – out of the living space.