Lisa Barton

Energy efficient homes of the future may have parts that mimic living trees.  External surfaces could have properties that work like leaves and convert sunlight into energy.  Old, ugly solar panels would be a thing of the past.  Instead, this new material would be incorporated into the entire exterior and could heat water and generate electricity for the home.  Oxygen would also be generated to offset the carbon released by other home functions. 

William McDonough and Partners also envision a roof that would provide plenty of shade as well as provide space to plant gardens.  Exterior portions of the house would self-clean and self-repair, reducing the need to replace parts.  Think this is impossible?  Some cars and windows already have this ability.  Paint surfaces on select cars have capsules that break open when scratched and repair the damaged area.  Some windows already have a coating that breaks down organic dirt which is then washed away during a rain storm. 

Further ideas stemming from natural resources include taking advantage of the relatively constant ground temperature in order to heat or cool the home.  Ground temperature tends to be cooler than air temperature in the summer and warmer in the winter.  Technology to incorporate this natural occurrence already exists, but unfortunately, is still financially out of reach for most homeowners. 

Times will continue to change, however, and environmental trends that seem space-age today will become increasingly reasonable and common in the near future.  Even now, the government is trying to encourage energy efficient upgrades for homes by providing rebates on products and appliances that increase energy ratings.  Check back to Lisa’s website for more information on these rebates in the next guest blog by Heather.  Want to read more about The Green House of the Future?  See The Wall Street Journal article by Alex Frangos from April 27, 2009, R1, 3, and 5.