THE WORDS "energy-efficient house" can conjure up images of futuristic, Jetson's style living or off-the-grid, geodesic domes sealed with tree sap, but the modern reality is typically indistinguishable from an ordinary house. "Green" homes and energy-efficient houses wouldn't stand out in a neighborhood line-up, but their utility bills certainly would. The use of energy-efficient practices can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings each year. A single low-flow toilet can save a family of four more than 45 gallons of water per day and an Energy Star qualified refrigerator can save around $50 a year.

One local couple, emboldened by facts like these, decided to make a major change in the way they lived. They owned a house in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Woodinville, but it no longer fit their family's needs. Luckily, they also owned a horse pasture adjacent to their home that practically begged for a makeover. Taking the plunge toward a new way of living, the family decided to build a new house on the pasture land, and have it built it with an eye toward energy-efficiency.  

The couple were fans of Sarah Susanka's book, The Not So Big House, so they started there. As readers of the book will tell you, the philosophy behind The Not So Big House is not simply restricted to creating one-bedroom, cottage-style housing. Even more "American-sized" homes can benefit from the principles outlined in the series, namely maximizing square footage to its best potential; eliminating unused formal spaces in favor of every-day living rooms; creating mixed-use areas; and using high-quality, efficient materials.  

Susanka's website, www.notsobighouse.com, helpfully offers a home professionals directory comprised of those builders who embrace the Not So Big House.

Read on to learn - and see - how style and efficiency were combined! philosophy. The couple searched the directory, plugged in their requirements and settled on Master Builders Association and Built Green member, Estate Homes. Working with Estate Homes' Design/Build team, they collaborated on a plan for a new four-bedroom, energy-efficient home with clean lines and a Northwest eclectic style.