Green-Roofed Charleston House Has A River Of Green Features

Architect <a href="http://www.studioa-architecture.com/">Whitney Powers'</a> clients in Charleston, South Carolina wanted a large, sustainable home, and they wanted to incorporate as many <a href="http://inhabitat.com/steampunk-r2-d2-robot-made-from-recycled-materials/">recycled materials</a> as possible - and that's exactly what they got. This stunning home features three distinct sections that are heated and cooled separately and that form a collective U around the swimming pool. Snuggled between the Atlantic coast and a maritime forest, it is surprisingly low impact despite its 5,000 square foot bulk. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/less-is-more-at-norways-juvet-landscape-hotel/">Sculpted into the landscape</a>, the spare bedroom has a vegetative roof, harvests rainwater, is naturally lit and ventilated, and all of the wood is either reclaimed or composed of highly recycled materials. But that doesn't even begin to describe the care that went into making this home a viable long term project. Although diverging from Charleston's colonial history, the house is nonetheless warm, cozy, and a classic study in classy but sustainable residential architecture.

The green roof over the guest house absorbs rainwater

This patina will fade over time and help reduce the large home's visual impact

Almost all of the wood used is either reclaimed or highly recycled

Built on a long, narrow property, the home incorporates a variety of less-visible green features as well

Although it is 5,000 square feet and could potentially have a huge energy bill, efficient lighting and passive design keeps it down

The home also features water-efficient plumbing and geothermal HVAC

Whitney Power's clients harvest rainwater that is then used to irrigate

Although a departure from the standard colonial home, this is nonetheless warm, cozy, and sustainable