There are lots of ways to build a house — or remodel one. For proof, just page through this end-of-the-year issue of Smart HomeOwner, which we’ve dubbed our Great Homes issue. You’ll see a wide variety of homes in varying sizes, with different layouts and built in different styles, from modernistic to contemporary and regional to rustic. But as different as these homes may appear on the outside, they have one common factor under their skins — they all demonstrate the current state-of-the-art when it comes to eco-friendly, energy-efficient design.

Typically our goal here at Smart HomeOwner is to drill down into the various and distinctive components of a home (whether it’s the foundation, building envelope [walls and roof], windows and doors, heating and cooling system, insulation, flooring or what have you) and examine the best options for homeowners. But in every issue we also feature what we call “whole house” stories. These are articles that take a look at how all these individual components join together to create a unique home.

Lately, we’ve been seeing more and more homes that push the envelope when it comes to green and energy-efficient design — so many, in fact, that we thought it was time to devote an entire issue to these ground-breaking homes.

The properties we spotlight in this issue are located in all regions of the country, from coast to coast, and range in size from 1,252 square feet to nearly 7,000 square feet. Many were constructed using building systems such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) and insulating concrete forms (ICFs). All have superior insulation and energy-efficient windows and doors. Many feature geothermal heating and cooling systems, and make extensive use of reclaimed and recycled building materials. And most take advantage of the sun’s energy, either with active solar photovoltaic systems or with passive solar design, which includes such features as roof overhangs to help shade the homes during the summer.

Most importantly, these homes demonstrate what’s possible using current and widely available building techniques and materials. Sourcing green building materials is now easier than ever before, and opportunities exist locally for homeowners and builders in just about every region of the country (and throughout Canada as well) to find smart building materials within a 500 mile radius of the construction site.

If there’s any downside to some of these homes, it’s the fact that many of their systems and materials are still too expensive for many homeowners. That, admittedly, is a drawback, especially when you must factor in payback times in order to achieve a reasonable building and long-term household budget. But as these building materials and systems become more pervasive, and as more and more builders and homeowners recognize the value of specifying green and energy-efficient materials and products, prices will begin to moderate. Before you know it, we’ll all be living in homes we can truly classify as “great.”