Inhabitat readers hufftprojects recently wrote in to tell us about their Green Circle Market place, the first shopping center in the US to receive the rating of LEED Platinum from the USGBC. By utilizing recycled materials, photovoltaic solar cells, and geothermal energy, this 23,000 square foot shopping center in Springfield, Missouri has become of the most environmentally sustainable retail spaces in the United States.

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Post tags: "sustainable architecture", alternative energy, geothermal energy, green architecture, Green Building, Green Circle Market, hufft projects, hufftprojects, Missouri, recycled building materials, renewable energy, Springfield, sustainable building methods

Designed by Hufft Projects, the “Bent and Sliced House” puts an innovative idea – bending a home to accommodate the curving slope of the site – into action. In addition to bending the house, slicing and unfolding it in a manner similar to Japanese Origami is introduced to create clerestories allowing opportunities for daylighting and natural ventilation. This lovely home also incorporates a number of sustainable features including geothermal heat pumps, a vegetated roof in combination with highly reflective and recycled roof membranes, local and recycled materials inside and out, low VOC paints, a cistern to supply all water required for irrigation, and ample daylighting which eliminates the need for artificial light during the day.

The house’s exterior and interior are also marked by the iconic and sensitive use of Western Red Cedar. It wraps the surfaces of walls, encases bathroom furnishings, and turns from the surface of a wall to form a ceiling. The material’s versatility is exhibited to the fullest. Different finishes allow for subtle but noticeable color variations giving the Bent and Sliced House its characteristic signature aesthetic.

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Post tags: bent sliced house, Eco Architecture, eco design, eco home, geothermal pumps, Green Building, green house, hufft projects, sustainable design, sustainable home, vegetated roof

Inhabitat readers huffprojects recently wrote in to tell us about this green office complex they designed for their clients R. B. Murray and Co. Here at Inhabitat we have been referring to this beautiful building as the Butterfly House because it features a distinguished butterfly roof that opens to allow a maximum amount of daylight into the building’s open offices, executive core, and conference rooms. This roof has greatly reduced the need for artificial lighting during the day. As for the other green aspects of this project they intend to use natural, recycled and reclaimed materials, and the building’s design features natural ventilation, air filtration, and abundant views of the landscape. Such features have the added benefit of improving the quality of the work environment and employee productivity.

The building will exhibit a warm aesthetic that is pleasing to both occupants and those passing by. The new R.B. Murray Company office building signifies the company’s forward thinking commitment to creating an architecturally progressive and environmentally conscious future.

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Post tags: air filtration, butterfly house, butterfly roof, Green Building, hufft projects, huft project, huft projects, natural ventilation, R. B. Murray and Co., Sustainable Building