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MotherEarthNews.com  Mother Earth News has provided solid information on many topics related to sustainable living and natural building for several decades, and now many of these articles are available on-line. Here are just a few samples of their green building articles:

 

Build a Solar Home and Let the Sunshine In
By Dan Chiras
If you're planning to build your dream home someday, this article could save you thousands of dollars. Including simple, passive-solar features in any style home can cost next to nothing up front and save you unbelievable amounts over the long-term in reduced energy bills.

August/September 2002

Go Solar and Save Big!
By Clarke Snell
Every homeowner needs to know that passive solar design results in huge savings on energy bills. This article is a great primer on passive solar design ideas for new and existing homes.

August/September 2006

All About Insulation
by Dan Chiras
Make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient with today's insulation options.
December/January 2002

Natural Swimming Pools
By Douglas Buege and Vicky Uhland
With a minimum of materials and without an arsenal of chemicals, you can build an idyllic water oasis right in your own back yard and thwart summertime's sultry dog days.
August/September 2002

Build a Simple Solar Heater
By Gary Reysa
This low-cost plan lets you turn any south wall into a source of free heat.
December/January 2006

 

Money Does Grow on Trees

By Marshall Glickman
Proper landscaping can reduce home utility bills by as much as 30 percent.

October/November 1994

 


 

  More Homes

Check out these websites for hundreds of great designs, inexpensive blueprints, do-it-yourself design software and easy-to-assemble cabin and cottage building kits. 

American Country Homes  Find traditional country home plans in all styles. Have an architect in your area create a one-of-a-kind custom design. Have a soaring timber-frame barn home crafted for you or have a beautiful small home shipped right to your country acres or vacation property as an easy-to-assemble building kit.

Early New England Homes

Design Your Own Home, Cabin or Cottage  Plan3D is a new online service that helps you create your own home, landscape or backyard building. View your work from any angle - inside and out. Use Plan3D to create a new kitchen or extension to your old home or to design a new garage or shed. Scan existing plans into Plan3D and take a virtual walk through in lifelike 3D. Everything is online and inexpensive, so you can get started today.

 
Have all plans reviewed by your building department or by an experienced building professional who knows local conditions, before you start to build. Plans may have to be modified by a local professional to suit your site's building code and weather requirements.