Green Buildings: Affordable, Eco-friendly Modular Homes

Check out this new line of LEED-certified eco-homes.

October/November 2009
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence 
Clayton iHouse
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This new line of prefab homes is incredibly eco-friendly, and affordable too!
CLAYTON HOMES
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In the midst of all the gloom, we’re happy to report some good news. Clayton Homes, a subsidiary of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, has announced its line of green modular homes. These 750-square-foot eco homes, dubbed “i-houses,” can be purchased online for less than $75,000.

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The green buildings have enough eco-friendly features to achieve the platinum rating from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. To achieve LEED certification, homes must incorporate a design that saves energy and water, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, improves indoor environmental quality, and considers the impact of the materials used on natural resources. The platinum rating is LEED’s most prestigious award.

The i-houses include low-flow faucets, low-VOC materials, high-efficiency heat pumps, dual-flush toilets, roofs designed for rainwater harvesting, and insulated walls, roof and floors. Upgrades to bamboo flooring, Energy Star appliances and solar panels are also offered.

Despite the housing crunch, Clayton Homes is putting additional research and development into the i-houses, which CEO and president Kevin Clayton thinks will keep the project thriving.

Exact pricing is determined by several factors, including the model and features that are chosen. You can learn more at Clayton Homes online.

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  • Pat Miketinac 9/30/2009 9:40:39 PM

    I took a local course on green building concepts that emphasized the LEED program. I was disappointed that their checklists are incompatible with earth sheltered housing, which, from personal experience, I believe is the "greenest' design of all. Where I live, there is no cost to heat or cool due to the 72 degree ground temperature. E-mails to them as to "why" remain unanswered.

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