As the trend continues for eco-friendly homes, the trend for building megamansions does not seem to be subsiding. While massive square footage seems an anomaly to the concept of green, across the globe, from Dubai to America, the demand for green homes as huge as 15,000 square feet is as great as it was before the energy crisis.
The most expensive green home yet to be constructed is the UK’s Orchid House. At $14.2 million, it is small in stature (2400 sq ft), but cost $6000 per square foot and will languish on a 450-acre nature preserve, where it’s supposed to produce more energy than it consumes.
A Colorado developer’s 9800 sq foot home is touted as "one of the greenest luxury homes ever built." $4.5 million, and you can save your little bit of the planet too.
Acqua Liana in Manalapan, Florida is the subject of a documentary called "The Green Giant", not the jolly one mind you.
At 15,000 square feet, the 34,000 pounds of garbage resulting from the construction were recycled, the $29 million price tag presumably helped cover the cost of disposal.
No doubt about it, it takes a lot of green(backs) to go green. (I had some more pictures but I keep getting that MIME message and they will not load, sorry!)
Green Megamansions
Multimillion Dollar Ecotecture
Trend Themes
1. Green Megamansions - The trend for building eco-friendly homes of more than 10,000 square feet continues to rise, creating a market for large-scale sustainability solutions.
2. Energy Efficient Megaprojects - The demand for multimillion-dollar, high-efficiency homes is fueling innovation in eco-friendly building materials and energy management technologies.
3. Ecoluxury - Consumers are willing to pay a premium for luxury homes that promote sustainability, creating opportunities for companies to develop high-end, environmentally friendly products and services.
Industry Implications
1. Green Building Materials - Developers building larger eco-friendly homes are seeking advanced materials, such as recycled products, smart appliances and energy-efficient insulation.
2. Renewable Energy - The challenge of energy consumption in larger, greener homes is driving demand for smart-grid technology and residential renewable energy systems, such as geothermal and solar power.
3. Sustainable Luxury - The trend toward eco-friendly luxury homes is creating opportunities for companies offering high-end, sustainable, and exclusive products such as bamboo furnishings, organic bedding, and energy management systems.