Building for today’s climate
As the United States faces the worst housing and financial crisis of its history, natural built homes offer an alternative vision to conventional home construction. Economic pressures prompt many people to consider a smaller and more energy-efficient home.At the same time, environmental pressures cause the thoughtful homeowner and builder to consider the impact of construction on the earth and its resources. As the conventional building paradigm adds complex rooflines and ornate trim to draw attention to the architecture, natural homes excel at a more personal and nuanced visual appeal. In an earlier economic climate, houses were appreciated for their quick return on investment. Today, the investment is for the long term – a comfortable, healthy, functional, efficient and environmentally benign home.
During the infancy of natural building, several aspects appealed to the owner/builder, including the accessibility of building technology and the freedom from conventional design.This more intuitive and non-linear approach to home building explores creative shapes, non-traditional heating and cooling systems, and alternative waste management systems.As the natural building community continues to grow, new ideas are building a fund of information that will be increasingly valuable in our rapidly changing and challenged environment.GreenSpace Collaborative is excited to be a part of this vibrant and energizing movement.