You don’t have to sacrifice style or comfort to live in an energy-efficient home. There are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient, from simple changes like adding insulation to more complex renovations like solar panels.
There is also a common misconception that luxury and energy efficiency do not mix. But there are plenty of energy-efficient homes out there that are not only eco-friendly but also chic and modern.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to make your home more energy efficient, check out these 10 energy-efficient homes that will make you green with envy.
Here are 10 energy-efficient homes that are both stylish and sustainable:
#1: The Zero House 2.0
The Zero House 2.0 is a solar-powered home that was designed with energy efficiency in mind. Every aspect of the house, from the windows to the appliances, is energy-efficient. And the best part is, it doesn’t sacrifice style for function. The Zero House 2.0 is a beautiful and modern home that just happens to be environmentally friendly.
Incredibly, Zero House 2.0 achieves net-zero energy status and uses zero freshwater. It is completely self-sufficient and produces more energy than it consumes.
The secret to the Zero House 2.0’s energy efficiency is its solar panels and battery system. The solar panels provide all the energy the house needs, and the battery system stores energy for use at night or on cloudy days.
If you’re looking for a stylish and sustainable home, the Zero House 2.0 is a great option.
#2: The Belmont Residence by David Baker Architects
This San Francisco home is made completely out of recycled materials, including steel, glass, and concrete. It’s also equipped with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.
David Baker Architects set out to create a sustainable home that would be both energy-efficient and stylish. And they succeeded. The Belmont Residence is a beautiful example of how eco-friendly design can be chic and modern.
The home’s energy efficiency comes from its solar panels, which provide all the energy the house needs. The rainwater harvesting system captures rainwater for use in the home, and the recycled materials help reduce the home’s carbon footprint.
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient home that doesn’t sacrifice style, the Belmont Residence is a great option.
#3: The Solar Decathlon House by Team Unite China
This energy-efficient house was designed for the Solar Decathlon, a competition that challenges student teams to build the most energy-efficient solar-powered home.
And Team Unite China’s entry is a winner. The house is made out of wood, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. It’s also equipped with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.
The Solar Decathlon House is a great example of how an energy-efficient home can be both stylish and sustainable. Its “Y” shape helps it maximize solar exposure, and the rainwater harvesting system captures rainwater for use in the home.
The home was fabricated out of prefabricated parts, which makes it easier and more affordable to build.
#4: The NZEB House by Zero Energy Design
This energy-efficient home was designed by Zero Energy Design, a firm that specializes in sustainable design.
The house is made out of recycled materials, and its equipped with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. The NZEB House is a great example of how an energy-efficient home can be both stylish and sustainable.
Its modern design is eye-catching, and its sustainable features make it environmentally friendly. The NZEB House is made out of recycled materials, which helps reduce its carbon footprint. And its energy efficiency comes from its solar panels and battery system, which provide all the energy the house needs.
Something that sets the NZEB House apart as well is its greywater recycling system. This system recycles water from the home’s showers, sinks, and washing machine to water the plants in the garden.
#5: The Living Home by Ray Kappe
This energy-efficient home was designed by Ray Kappe, a renowned architect known for his work in sustainable design.
The Living Home is made out of recycled materials, and it’s equipped with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. The home is also LEED certified, which means it meets strict energy-efficiency standards.
The Living Home is a great example of how an energy-efficient home can be both stylish and sustainable. Its modern design is eye-catching, and its sustainable features make it environmentally friendly. The Living Home is made out of recycled materials, which helps reduce its carbon footprint. And its energy efficiency comes from its solar panels and battery system.
This home is 3,100 sq. ft., with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. And its energy efficiency doesn’t sacrifice comfort — the home has central air conditioning and heating, as well as an energy-efficient fireplace.
#6: The Beach House by Poteet Architects
This energy-efficient home was designed by Poteet Architects, a firm known for its work in sustainable design.
The Beach House is made out of recycled materials, and it is equipped with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. The home is also LEED certified, which means it meets strict energy-efficiency standards.
Take a look at its unique use of space — the home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a living area, kitchen, and dining area. The Beach House is a great example of how an energy-efficient home can be both stylish and sustainable.
The home’s design is modern and eye-catching, and its sustainable features make it environmentally friendly. The Beach House is made out of recycled materials, which helps reduce its carbon footprint. Its energy efficiency also comes from its solar panels and battery system.
#7: Villa sa Contissa in Porto Cervo, Sardinia
The Villa sa Contissa in Porto Cervo, Sardinia is an energy-efficient home that was designed by famed Italian architect Scacchetti.
This energy-efficient home is eye-catching in its own right. But the feature we want to highlight here is the green roof! The home is equipped with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, and its green roof helps to insulate the home and keep it cool in the summer.
You can use a green roof in your own home. Placing plants and greenery on the outer walls keeps buildings beautiful, timeless, and environmentally friendly. They also help with storm runoff and reduction of air pollution.
#8: Charlotte of the Upper West Side
Want a trendy apartment instead of a home? No problem! Check out energy-efficient living like Charlotte of the Upper West Side. This energy-efficient apartment building was designed by BKSK Architects, and it is one of the most sustainable buildings in New York City.
Charlotte of the Upper West Side has been certified by Passive House Institute. This means that the building was designed to be highly energy efficient, and its energy needs are met by renewable sources.
The building has a green roof, solar panels, and an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. These features help to reduce the building’s energy consumption by up to 80%. And because the building is so energy efficient, its residents save an average of $100 per month on their energy bills.
The energy-efficiency of this building doesn’t sacrifice style — the building’s design is modern and sleek. And its green features make it environmentally friendly.
#9: The Perigon, Miami Beach
This energy-efficient condo development was designed by superstars OMA, Tara Bernerd & Partners, and Gustafson Porter + Bowman.
The Perigon is a great example of how an energy-efficient home can be truly sexy. These condos have LEED gold certification, which means they meet high energy-efficiency standards.
The condos have energy-efficient features like impact-resistant windows, energy-efficient lighting, and water-conserving fixtures. These features help to reduce the energy consumption of the building by up to 30%.
The design of The Perigon is modern and luxurious, and its energy-efficient features make it environmentally friendly. The condos at The Perigon start at $3 million, so they’re not for everyone. But if you have the budget, this energy-efficient development is definitely worth the investment.
#10: The Famous Invisible House of Joshua Tree
Last but not least is our very own “Invisible House,” nestled in the out-of-this-world rock formations of Joshua Tree, California.
The Invisible House is an energy-efficient home. The house has floor-to-ceiling mirrored windows. It was designed by film producer Chris Hanley. And while it is not for sale, it is available for rent!
The energy-efficient design of the house helps to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The windows also help to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
The Invisible House is definitely a unique energy-efficient home. And while it may not be for everyone, it is definitely an energy-efficient home that will stay in our memories for years to come.
Energy Efficiency At Any Budget
These are some extremely unique — and far-flung — examples of energy-efficient homes. But energy efficiency is possible at any budget. You don’t need to be a millionaire to have an energy-efficient home — you just need to be willing to make some energy-efficient choices, such as environmental windows and doors!
Contact Monumental Windows and Doors today to learn more about our energy-efficient products, and to be connected to a dealer.