Be the first to comment! Enter your comment in the form below.

I think it is great that this home is truly a green home. It looks to me like you guys thought of everything when making this one. I would love to see what it would be like to live in such a home. I am glad that HGTV is raising awarness on eco-friendly products!

Lelia Medley

Posted by Lelia Medley – March 4, 2008 7:29 PM

I have been surfing the net for property in SC, not knowing the next HGTV Green Home. Okay, now I believe destiny. We are trying to plan our retirement and looking for a place in South Carolina. My husband and I both want to be by water and he is an avid golfer. But the clincher is our name is "Greene"...close enough. I want a "green home" and was willing to look for lots to build such a home. But here it is! We love it and would be perfect for this place. Plus, my love for dogs was attracted to numerous of your selected pictures. We love it and would make it a home...it is our future.

Posted by Brenda Greene – March 4, 2008 7:44 PM

I'm truly impressed by the green accomplishments of this home's crew! And it's beautiful, too! I agree with the oohs & ahhs on the laundry/pantry/kitchen. They just work while lifting the spirits,too.
Hang in there, Adam. We enjoy hearing from you with all your youthful exuberance.

Posted by Connie – March 4, 2008 7:45 PM

what innovation and design??
the design is ordinary, the innovation isn't very inventive, the site while beautiful holds the imagination back.
if the homeowners imagination is held back, he wont be able to create, if he cant create he gets dependant on amenities being so close, if he gets dependant on the amenities proximity.
FINALLY if he cant create because he became dependant on the amenities proximity he becomes lazy and unable to function in any other setting..

Posted by ADAM bailey – March 4, 2008 8:48 PM

Just toured the green home and was very happy and surprised. Very impressive work. I love the home. Great job!

Posted by Joe – March 4, 2008 9:10 PM

I didn't even know that some of those things could be done to make a house more energy efficient. What an amazing job.

Posted by Ani – March 4, 2008 11:19 PM

I am seriously considering going solar to conserve energy. Does anyone have any resources for solar energey in the Savannah/Pooler area? Is solar power worthwhile, financially, for all electricty or would solar hot water be easier to justify?

Posted by Rick – March 5, 2008 5:31 AM

I just finish the tour of the Home and I was very impressed it's not only beautiful but it's also going to be a home which it's going to be Green and it's going to save money in so many ways, I love the Laundry room, But my favorite was the bathroom my dream has always being to have a bathtub just like that one.

Posted by Berta – March 5, 2008 9:56 AM

its obvious the mods need a refresher on the subject.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech
========================================================================================
this is MY OPINION on the greenhome
========================================================================================
the exterior of the home looks exactly like 90million other homes in america.
it looks like a cookie cutter house or like it was made on a assembly line.
sure subdevisions have rules on what a house can look like but that home doesnt even standout as different.
ok so the interior can speak volumes but the rest is just blahhhhhhh!!

Posted by ADAM bailey – March 5, 2008 12:50 PM

I really liked the house. I would like more info on the paint used. Especially the name of the colors in the master bedroom and the living room.

Posted by Christy Peters – March 5, 2008 3:26 PM

I can't Waite untill this contest starts! I think that just by airing the Green home on HGTV it will help so many people see that with the new innovations used hear, we can all live in a cleaner eco-friendly Earth. I Thank You all at HGTV for spreadding the news!

Lelia Medley

Posted by Lelia Medley – March 5, 2008 3:57 PM

I love the fact that it's Green and that it is a home that the winner might be able to afford to stay there. I love the design. It's homey and livable. Good job. Thanks, HGTV!

Posted by cathy gingrich – March 5, 2008 6:13 PM

I think this green home is a long awaited idea and I can't wait until the contest starts. I look forward to a day when more homes are based on green thinking.

Posted by sam peacock – March 5, 2008 6:38 PM

I have looked at every picture and taken every tour of the Green Home and I absolutely love it.
I live in the Hilton Head area now and I don't think you could have picked a better place than Tradition. It is the perfect picture of a southern home and I can't wait until the contest starts!!!! Tradition is a such a nice property. I would love to be able to live there and stay true to my southern roots.
It is absolutely beautiful!
PICK ME HGTV!!!!

Posted by Kristen – March 5, 2008 6:42 PM

Oh yeah! I forgot what makes the home 50x better. The fact that is a green home!! I think living green is so important to our future but not everyone knows how to do it. And the Yukon is awesome. I would love to drive one now but can't afford one this entire package is truly a dream come true for my family and I.

Posted by Kristen – March 5, 2008 6:46 PM

adam BAILEY: So you don't like the Green Home. Then go somewhere else where your creative spirit can soar and leave us bloggers who appreciate what HGTV has done with this wonderful concept alone.

Posted by adam;s Rib – March 5, 2008 6:47 PM

It looks just like I suspected a green house to look, except for the nice, but unoriginal design of the structure itself. The interior spaces, each and every one, is "green" as in cold. Not one room, in my opinion, is warm or inviting. All very cool, sterile, and untouchable looking, especially from a family point of view. Sorry, no likey!

Posted by Ann – March 5, 2008 7:10 PM

You said in the kitchen of your green home that the electromagnetic cook top was an innovative design. Induction cook tops have been in use in Europe for about 20 years. They are almost 98% efficient and have minimal heat to the touch after cooking. Also, while most cook ware that is compatible with induction cook tops is expensive you can now buy Emeril's stainless steel cook ware for about $149.00 for a 10 piece set.

Posted by buckeyejack – March 5, 2008 11:27 PM

#1. It's green to the max and that is inventive. We all need to go greener and I'm greatful to HGTV for leading the way.
#2. The downstairs is wonderfully planned and airy. It is a very happy space! It makes me want to cook, and paint and even do laundry (while dancing!) I never thought I'd say that.
#3. Although I think the outdoor spaces could use a little more pizzaz, I like them because they leave room for me to add my own personal touches.
#4. Kudos to Jack and Linda for their insight and talents. They never let us down, but the functionality of this plan and the design within it are top notch! Job well done!

Posted by kim gilsinger – March 6, 2008 2:29 AM

It is the most difficult thing to view. I tried every option to get a full tour with no luck. The pictures I did see of the front outside were not very good.

Posted by Bill – March 6, 2008 7:09 AM

Garage to interior [Kitchen to carry groceries etc.] Have to go outside & back inside ? If so some Green is lost each time an exterior door is opened?

Posted by Roger Ragland – March 6, 2008 7:27 AM

Love the house, its beautiful but it doesn't look kid friendly,to clean, i need a house on the beach so my 12 (twelve) grandkids can come and visit i need to teach them about the enviroment.

Posted by Lola – March 6, 2008 8:57 AM

When is a HUGE SUV parked in the driveway part of a "Green" home. Come on people!!

Posted by jDizzle – March 6, 2008 9:13 AM

Sorry, did not care for the interior decor, and who picked the color for the counter in the master bath!!??? Ugghhhhh! Great ideas but lacking in the beatiful decorations department.

Posted by Karen N. – March 6, 2008 9:22 AM

I would like to thank HGTV for your consideration
for mother earth. If possible could you focus on doing this more in areas that already have homes build in the Declining areas, so that we are not ripping up more land that could be saved for our wildlife. There are lots of places that already have homes built that humans do not want to live in, because they feel they are not good enough.

I love the fact that you are now building green homes but still we need to consider land use.

One more thing we must take into consideration to that a lot of Americans are in foreclosure. There are so many houses right now that are lost to banks. America's land has to many vacant homes doing nothing that are not green but could be turned into green homes. We just need to use the skelton of the house. We need to ask ourselves do we want to be remembered as America who raped the land to have Subdivision or the America who recycled the old homes and saved land for it's wildlife?

Thank you so much. Many blessings to all the team of HGTV.

Posted by Jenny – March 6, 2008 9:53 AM

I could hardly believe it when I openned my e-mail and found this incredible house. It's like someone has taken the time to hear all of my thoughts on what the perfect home would be. Greene, within walking distanct of everything one needs not to mention the garden for vegies and herbs and it is in the state my husband and I are planning to move to. We have been debating locations but seeing this is like having everything fall into place. We would love to make this our home. I truly believe in fate! Thank you HGTV for building my dream home!

Posted by Claire – March 6, 2008 10:54 AM

This house is absolutely perfect from the floor plan to the decorating. Green can also be beautiful. My husband and I both love antiques and my husband's favorite color is green. And knowing the house is eco-friendly, what more could you ask for? I could see myself adding a few of my antique dishes, butter press, etc. to the kitchen. My husband would go crazy in the garage trying to find enough room to hang all his antique tools and saws. Great job Linda. The more I look the more I admire what you've done. I also love all the windows and doors and the way it brings the outside in. Of course I can't say enough about all the recycled materials used. The way the kitchen, dining, and living room all flow together is perfect for family gatherings. The size is perfect, not too large for an older couple but large enough for a family. I have also learned enormous amounts about building green. For those who think the house is blahhhhhh or not innovative......... please don't enter to win it and give those of use who appreciate it a chance. HGTV is not only building lovely homes and giving them away, but they are attempting to teach us how to help save our planet for our kids and grandkids. With all the millions of entries that will be recieved I know I will have a very slim chance of winning. But what the heck if I don't!? I've have still not wasted my time because of all I have learned here. I hope this progarm will be on television and on the web for many years to come. My daughter and fiance are about to start a new house. I called her and told her to watch the show and check out this website, not only for decorating ideas, but for the green building ideas. She lives in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. They have had a drought there just as we have here in Mississippi. I think the water recycling system would be of great interest to them. Another thing I have started doing is recycling my decorations. If I get tired of something, I don't throw it away. I box it up. Then when my daughters or sisters come over I ask if there is anything they would like to have. It's amazing how much stuff you can give away that will blend in with another's decorating.

Posted by Teresa – March 6, 2008 1:29 PM

I wish we could all go green. I have kids and I'm worried about their future. The green home is beutiful like everything from HGTV. Keep up the wonderful work.

Posted by Megan Richter – March 6, 2008 1:51 PM

I love this home, its not too overwhelming and it looks comfortable and its in S. Carolina and I love it there. My hubby can have the log cabin, I will take this green home anyday. The bedrooms don't look very large but the kitchen/dining room makes up for it. I also love the Dream Home but its out of our reach, even if we won it. This Green Home is more realistic, now, I would have to move everyone I love there.

Posted by DonnaDean – March 6, 2008 3:48 PM

Beautiful Home! Can you give an approximate cost of building this Green Home? This home would be fitting for any part of the United States.

Posted by William – March 6, 2008 5:52 PM

I'm new to this blog, but after seeing this home and reading all the posts, here are a few comments. Re: the landscaping. Don't plants in SC go dormant in winter? (you shold see it up here, all white, I mean snow, snow and more snow). I can see the plants bursting into color when spring comes. And to another blogger, if you want the home more "cozy", that should be simple to do, if you are watching the shows on HGTV. Then I looked at the garage. I would trade the fishing poles for the golf clubs in a heart beat. BUT, as one glogger pointed out, IS THERE NO ENTRY FROM THE GARAGE TO THE HOUSE? Please clear this up. I'm still a dreamer. Love and good luck to all !!!

Posted by Katydid – March 6, 2008 6:41 PM

Its really nice

Posted by Aracelis – March 6, 2008 6:47 PM

To all you haters, don't play. I love it and I have been dreaming of a house like this for a while. Hope I win it because I will really appreciate it. It is beautiful, eco-friendly and perfectly located. How could you not love it? We all need to do our part in this world and this will encourage a lot of people and give them the information they need to make this world a better, greener place.

Posted by Nikki G – March 6, 2008 8:34 PM

Just when you thinks it's safe to return to HGTV after losing what 8 dream homes they pull you back in to dream again...a least it gets us through the winter

Posted by Geri – March 6, 2008 8:59 PM

I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THIS SINCE THE BEGING WHEN YOU SHOWED THE ROAD. IT IS SO WONDERFUL AND I CAN,T WAIT TO START TRYING TO WIN. I AM DISABLED SO THE MASTER BEING DOWN STARS IS WONDERFUL. ALSO I HAVE TWO NEICES ONE 18 THE OTHER 6 THERE PARENTS DIED OF CANCER MY SISTER IN MAY OF 2006. HER HUSBAND IN 2007 , AUGUST. IT HAS BEEN REALY ROUGH FOR ALL OF US AND THIS WOULD BE A BEAUTIFUL HOME FOR US TO LIVE IN. GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED. ALSO I TRULY LOVE THE WATER AND MY FATHERS FAMILY LIVE IN N.C. SO WE WOULD BE MUCH CLOSER.GOOD LUCK TO WHO EVER WINS....THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS....GO GREEN.

Posted by Deborah Ingram – March 7, 2008 12:53 AM

Thanks for all your great comments. Glad to see such a wide variety of opinions; it makes for a lively discussion and gets us all thinking about what green living means in our own lives.

Lots of questions about the garage, I see. I had some, too, when I saw the floor plans. But after I learned why the garage was separate from the house, the layout made sense. You can find out more about it in the article here:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/green_home_2008/article/0,3183,HGTV_30916_5803082,00.html

In addition to housing the solar and water-recycling hubs, the garage is sealed and exhausted separately from the house, preventing carbon monoxide, water vapor and other contaminates from migrating into living areas.

The walk from the garage to the house is protected by the south veranda and is very short - not more than 10 steps. Roger, having done the walk many times while we were at the home shooting the tour, I don't believe you'd lose much more energy opening the door on the sheltered veranda than you would opening the door from an unheated garage.

In addition, the house's ventilation system is made to deal with changes in temperature; it moderates itself to keep air quality (including temperature) consistent in all rooms.

Kelley
Editor, HGTV Green Home

Posted by kwalters – March 7, 2008 9:15 AM

I live down here, very near the development. First, they cut every tree in site down, filled in the natural swamp, and decided to make this rural area look like Florida. And to the question about plants going dormant in the winter, we are a sub-tropical-ish environment so our plants stay green throughout the year. With that said, just like anywhere, our hardwoods, grasses, and other plants do go dormant. But people in the area that are attempting to make this another resort, irrigate the heck-out-of everything all year round causing the water use per capita to be high on normal days, but skyrocket during the summer, all for irrigation. Green - hhmmmm?

Posted by Jenny Pender – March 7, 2008 9:44 AM

I have fallen in LOVE. The HGTV GrEeN home is amazing! It must have taken many creative and wonderful people to make such a house. If everyone did what they could to slow down the ruin of this beautiful earth then maybe we could save something for our grandkids. I love that someone had this idea, whoever you are Godbless you. I hope after seeing such a home everybody decides to make their house a little greener too. My husband and I really want a house. I want my son to grow up in a wonderful place in a beautiful home. I am going to pray for this house. My little family would be perfect in this house, everything in it reminds me of my family. Who knows maybe this house was built for me. Well thankyou HGTV! I am so proud of every talented person who had anything to do with this GREEN HOME!

Posted by Tiffany And Ricky – March 7, 2008 10:50 AM

I see there's couple of negative comments about the green home, but many more positive opinions...I'd like to add to the positive: to me, for my taste and environmental concerns this home is a far greater home than is the Dream Home. It possesses elegance in its design simplicity, and the technology used will make it where a family can afford to live in the home! Great Idea!
Babette

Posted by Babette – March 7, 2008 2:32 PM

This is the most beautiful house. I did not know what the benefits were in a green house. Wow to save on the amount of water and electricity we use is amazing. Everything is so peacefull and inviting. Hope I will be blessed to receive this home. I can't wait to start entering. This is like a little piece of Heaven on earth.
Thank you,
Maryjo Cooper

Posted by Maryjo – March 7, 2008 2:50 PM

Love the green home but one question.. since it is a green home shouldn't we consider the impact of climate change and the effect on low-land real estate within the next ten years? Maybe there is a secret pop up flood levy included...

Posted by Stephanie – March 7, 2008 4:01 PM

I LOVE THIS HOME!!! This is GREAT! GOOD job!!! When can I enter???

Posted by Becky – March 7, 2008 7:25 PM

sorry "adam;s Rib"posted on March 5, 2008 6:47 PM
i will not dignify your comment with some childish remark or "comeback"
i will just say that MY opinion doesnt Affect yours or anyone elses

Posted by ADAM bailey – March 8, 2008 5:33 PM

I looked and re-looked.....where are the closets? Even those who wish to go green wear clothes. A laundry is provided but I can't see any closets, a must for the modern home. I checked the floor plans still could not find anywhere to put the clothes

Posted by Pamela – March 8, 2008 9:30 PM

Carter, Beautiful home. Great floorplan, windows etc. Absolutely love the kitchen and pantry area. I too have questions regarding closet space. I noticed doors off the "Cubby" and "Sitting Area" on the upper level. Storage? Also to address Jenny Pender's comments, I also was wondering about this "Lowcountry" and "Marshes" as so politely phrased. Is this not another way of saying swamplands?That screened in porch is probably very necessary on a hot summer night! I think this home itself is great and good job on the going green, however, I'm not crazy about the location. Carter, if you came with the house as a bonus prize, I just might enter anyway!
P.S. Adam Bailey, if you were looking for you 15 minutes of fame, I think you got it. You're almost as well known as Amy Fischer and the uni-bomber and just as bothersome. Too much lonely time on your hands for all the bitter complaining. Try smoking a little "GREEN", calm down and move on to another website.

Posted by Anastasia – March 9, 2008 1:24 PM

I think this home is a step in a positive direction. It falls a bit short of being a self-sufficient green home. According to HGTV the solar power only accounts for 10% of the supply needed. After reading posts above, I have to agree it is a cookie cutter type of home. Is that bad, I am not sure, in one way it shows you can build a green home and look like any other. No one ever said the house should scream look at me I am green. For the last six months we have been working on a green log home. Being a log home, means it is green by nature. We turned our home project into an educational effort so that everyone can benefit from our experiences. If you care to learn about our Green initiative check out our website, http://www.greenloghome.com. There are over 150 pages filled with information on how to build green and be self-sustaining for life.

Posted by Fred Ruckel – March 9, 2008 5:16 PM

Love your green home HGTV, Can you imagine how complete you would feel just living each day so confident and secure in knowing how your adding to the elements of mother nature and not taking away from when you lay your head down each night in this home..."pay it forward" HGTV!!

Posted by sheri Brooks – March 10, 2008 3:35 AM

Recently my wife and I have been watching television shows on global warming and the impact of things that we have done to our ecosystem that lack virtuous standards. I truly believe our future depends on making necessary steps toward a greener life style.Rethink,reuse,recycle its that easy. Thank you HGTV for keeping these simple principles on the forefront of our minds by offering everyone a chance and a dream to win your GREEN HOME.

Respectfully,
Mr. Davis

Posted by Daniel Davis – March 10, 2008 9:28 AM

I love this house. Was wondering about the hot water . Is it an on demand system or a regular tank?

Posted by Veronica Cox – March 10, 2008 3:36 PM

After looking thru the house and seeing the furniture and decor, I went to the site where everything in the house is supposed to be listed, as to where to purchase and the price of each item. I was very disappointed that over three quarters of everything listed, where the price was supposed to be said 'price varies'. Why can't the price be listed that was paid for each item, instead of opting out with 'price varies'? This is very upsetting.

Posted by Barb – March 10, 2008 7:51 PM

I absolutely love this house. Someone went into my brain and made it a reality... apparently not just my brain but many others as well. I just have to agree with the majority and express that I am dreaming daily about "what if...". Doesn't hurt to dream a little and to hope to win it! I really wish that every home was eco-friendly. PS. Am I the only crazy one who looks at this house like EVERY day!?!

Posted by Bruna Payne – March 11, 2008 12:14 AM

It looks like this house is built in a new development, thus taking away from natural lands. Definitely not a "green" choice! Using eco-friendly products is a start, but this is far from "green". I'm disappointed...

Posted by Jan F. – March 11, 2008 2:08 AM

Not to rain on everyone's parade, but is this a carbon neutral home? If not, I can only be so impressed with the construction techniques that should be used in EVERY home anyway.

Posted by Athena – March 11, 2008 12:37 PM

Yes, most certainly I'll enter to win this wonderful gift from HGTV !
The space of this Green Home & location is ideal to relocate our family too. Fresh, clean, going "GREEN" is great as Spring approaches ! My youngest daughter yearns deeply for a place to call Home.
From: Greensburg, IN

Posted by Mr. Mitchell W. Tickle – March 12, 2008 12:55 PM

PLEASE NOTE...THIS HOME IS NOT ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND. IT IS 30 MINUTES TO THE BRIDGE TO GET TO HILTON HEAD. THIS AREA IS GORGEOUS WITH BIG TREES AND SPANISH MOSS. HOW IS A HOME "GREEN" IF THE DEVELOPER CUTS DOWN EVERYTHING IN SIGHT TO BUILD A SUBDIVISION. WHAT SETS THIS COASTAL AREA APART FROM ALL OTHER BEACHES ON THE SOUTHERN COAST IS THE WONDERFUL TREES, PLANTS, SHADY PATHS, ETC. MY FIRST DESCRIPTION OF "GREEN" WOULD BE TO NOT CLEAR THE LAND. YOU CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE A HOUSE. YOU CAN'T PUT BACK 500 ACRES OF PLANTS SO EASILY.

Posted by Rhonda – March 12, 2008 3:58 PM

YES, PLEASE LEAVE THE TREES.
IF THEY WHERE NOT THERE TO BEGIN WITH THEN IT IS OK.

Posted by vickie – March 13, 2008 12:06 AM

I am impressed by the greatly improved layout compared to the Dream House this year. The green design is truly remarkable. I wondered around the floor plans and cannot figure out the space next to the Cubby (a white door leading to a spacious area). Is it an outdoor or an indoor space? Any ideas?

Posted by George I. – March 14, 2008 5:58 AM

Jan F., Rhonda and vickie, you can find out more about the conservation efforts taken during the development of Tradition Hilton Head on the blog post "Green Home Paint Colors and Other FAQs."

Kelley, Editor
HGTV Green Home

Posted by kwalters – March 14, 2008 11:36 AM

I am getting certified as a eco-realtor and I am going to target market people in my area that are interested in helping the environment and see if there is any green home already built in my neighborhood. What would be the process if any one knows of one?
Thank you for all your advice. Let's go green

Posted by Demi Fox – March 14, 2008 5:13 PM

Perhaps this house meets all of the qualifications to be called a "Green" home, but not in my book. I think the only thing Green about this house might just be the color you've chosen for the exterior.

The first downfall for this house is the piece of junk parked in the driveway. The GMC Yukon Hybrid may have both an electric motor and gas engine, but at an average of 20 mpg, I would not consider it innovative. If you are going to offer a green car - give one away that gets upwards of 40 mpg and has fewer emissions than the average cars (my F-150 used to get 25 mpg - it may not be good, but it has fewer emissions than this thing).

Next comes the apparent philosophy that the greenest landscaping comes from no landscaping at all. I'm not sure of what future plans involve, but it appears that dirt was the cheapest option for xeriscaping. Apparently you can save a lot of water by having nothing to water. In newly designed neighborhoods in my area, the house with the dirt yard is the family that hasn't done anything yet.

I'm still trying to understand the option for a metallic roof. I see the point of collecting rain water, but doesn't metal absorb heat. I would imagine that this metal roof might add to the heat of the house during a hot SC summer (or is Tradition in a special part of the country that doesn't have heat).

I'm curious to know what the house is made out of - what is inside it's walls, the studs and the insulation. Is this a wood frame house? Did you use some sort of recycled or environmentally friendly material? From the pictures I can see of the exterior, there appears to be real wood lawn furniture - I'm sure of some high-end grade of environmentally neutral or non-wood product.

I thought green homes were supposed to cut down on emissions, as opposed to giving the home owner the chance to openly thrust more carbon into the atmosphere. While the fire pit is visually appealling, it does nothing for the environment except give the homeowner the chance to pollute it. Let's all just start burning more wood, gas and coal - I don't think the energy companies are doing enough in that area. That goes for the candles your decorator decided to go with for the photo shoot.

I can't say the house is not eco-friendly in design, just not very well thought out. Based on what I have seen, the floorplan is lacking to say the least, and there just does not appear to be any flow that I expect from a newly built home.

I can say with definance - I would not want to live in this house!!!

I guess I just expected something more from you guys - being a leader in your market, I figured you would have the connections to do it right. I think HGTV started with some really good intentions but were sidetracked by sponsors and design conflicts. In the end - I think the house is a failure at setting the standard for what a new and innovative "Green" house should look like.

Posted by Ja ☼ Mi ☼ Ho – March 14, 2008 5:21 PM

Glad to see that HGTV's home sweepstakes is heading towards a different direction. Would like to see more suburb like setting in future homes, with even less environmental impact (ie utilizing native trees and plantings, revitaling existing structures).

Posted by Jenn H. – March 15, 2008 1:01 AM

It makes me so happy that this is a true green home! I love the enviornment, and i am one of those people that are actually trying to stop global warming and pollution, check out this site that i made: www.saveourreef.weebly.com

Posted by Caroline – March 16, 2008 4:57 PM

I'm very excited that HGTV has gone green. I love the green home and I would love to win it - more so than any of the other houses HGTV has built in the last many years - I've watched them all, I think. This one is the best because it is green and it would be perfect for me since I want to live on one floor and it has the Master on the main floor and a great, great soaking bath tub.

I'm hoping that in this house that HGTV will not only be "Green", but "Green" and "Non-Toxic" concerning the indoor air quality in your home.

"Green and non-toxic", to me means: free of pesticides, fragrances and fragranced products, and all other synthetic, many times toxic, chemicals. In case I win (and I would love to win this green home), please, do not add pesticides, scented candles, air fresheners, plug-ins, potpourri, or fragranced or otherwise synthetic cleaning products.

Why build a green home, if you are going to pollute the inside air? More and more people are learning that they don't want to add chemicals to their body load for health reasons and green homes are a beginning, but what I hope to see in the future are "Green and Non-Toxic" homes. The non-toxic part will not only help the health of our environment, but our own health and the health of our pets, too.

Good work you guys!

Posted by Robbie – March 17, 2008 3:31 PM

"I think of all the homes this one is the one I would really like .because being a outdoors type . I love the lake. so this would be the one for me I like the ,log cabin homes ... but this one is so cute. I wonder if Jack Thomasson help put this one together also , if he did thats why its so nice. :) most people would see the car first ? omg I noticed the bathroom it had a picture of dogs on it brown labs. I have two, there black colored. that was so beautiful the dogs on the wall,and the bedroom sweet.......... its not just Earth friendly it's DONNA friendly LOL LOL :) now this home and the log cabin home real people just may get to stay in them with out having to sale them later . :) I hope I win this one

Posted by donna – March 17, 2008 9:34 PM

Good job,
This is one of the best efforts I have seen so far (by an organization that makes a living by selling product). I'm not sure overall if you are still doing a disservice to Americans by telling them they can have their cake and eat it too but at least it is a start.

I give this house 5 stars out of ten and would say it is at least as green as the Yukon Hybrid parked outside. (In other words you could have done worse)

I can't imagine what someone was thinking in many areas like all the concrete spread around the exterior for example and excessive amounts of glass, volume, and exterior wall in the living room, etc.. (it would be a very very long list)

It is unfortunate that the USGBC LEED program perpetuates "green washing" but I guess you have to give the people what they want and sugar coated green is better than nothing.

While I don't believe this house could rightly be called green I do think it is toward green or perhaps greenish. Of course that is just my opinion as a home designer interested in environmentally friendly home design.

It is a very tough problem to build green in a nation that has gotten so used to modern comforts and isolation from the natural environment. Perhaps in a few hundred more years people will all just be brains sitting in a vat of nutrient rich liquid congratulating ourselves on how green we have become because the machines all run on solar power. You think? ;^)

Posted by Chris Stewart – March 18, 2008 1:30 PM

I love watching Carter Can, so I think it is fabulous that he is building this home. I sure hope I'm the winner not only because it is a Green Home, but because I Love the Location. We subscribe to Mother Earth News and are always gathering ways to improve our environment so this is absolutely perfect for us. PICK ME HGTV. YIPPIEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!

Posted by Gwendolyn House – March 18, 2008 2:46 PM

Somebody asked how you can identify someone who is a green realtor, those are the ones who just got their license and still need to attend many months (if not years) of real estate education. Obviously, if a realtor wants to specialize in marketing truly energy efficient green homes, I would anticipate that the industry will develop additional elphabet soup that agents can put on their busuness card. Just don't believe all that you read. Far better for you to educate yourself so you can ask appropriate questions of agents. Too many people sleep through classes and then come out saying they are one. This from a retired realtor who has many years of energy-efficient construction skills in Colorado.

Posted by John – March 19, 2008 1:48 AM

I took the tour and while I'm impressed with the idea, the house seems small and cramped. Is there a redo available if the winner doesn't have kids? The green looks a little loud and why isn't the master bath directly connected to the master bedroom? Also, wouldn't a vehicle that gets better mileage be more appropriate for a green house? I agree with the comments about the exterior not being that imaginative. I love the idea and would like a source for green builders in my area.

Posted by JAtwater – March 19, 2008 8:51 PM

I salute HGTV’s spirit but I question its judgment. Not on the home which may very well be green (I have not gotten through it yet so I reserve judgment) but on the Alaska-sized motor vehicle sitting prominently in the driveway. The notion that the Yukon is somehow ‘green’ is patently absurd. GMC is about as green as Kermit the Frog is purple. While the hybrid version is certainly an improvement over the regular version, going from 14 mpg to 20 mpg isn’t worthy of an accolade. And the magazine reviews suggest it does not even get to 20 but only to 17 (see Kiplinger, eg). It would be hard to do worse. In fact, many cars from the early 70s, before the Energy Crisis, still get better mileage.

I salute HGTV’s spirit but I question its judgment. Not on the home which may very well be green (I have not gotten through it yet so I reserve judgment) but on the Alaska-sized motor vehicle sitting prominently in the driveway. The notion that the Yukon is somehow ‘green’ is patently absurd. GMC is about as green as Kermit the Frog is purple. While the hybrid version is certainly an improvement over the regular version, going from 14 mpg to 20 mpg isn’t worthy of an accolade. And the magazine reviews suggest it does not even get to 20 but only to 17 (see Kiplinger, eg). It would be hard to do worse. In fact, many cars from the early 70s, before the Energy Crisis, still get better mileage.

I’m not a ‘greenie’ (in fact, I’m a real estate developer) but I would never choose to drive a Yukon. Even if someone gave it to me for free (yes, you can have it). If HGTV wants to couple one with the Dream Home fine, but please don’t throw a pretend-it’s-green monster truck with the Green Home. Choose a car that is more environmentally friendly next time. Or give away a couple of canoes. Or a set of bikes.

Your credibility is at stake.

Posted by Daniel L – March 19, 2008 10:42 PM

how close are the stores and shoppng centers.how easy is it too get a job there too pay the taxes,and bill that do come up/?/???and did you think about a wind generator too so at night and cloudy days you still save energy/???

Posted by hairbearnights – March 20, 2008 12:58 AM

While I applaud the 10% energy independence of the green home, I would have liked to see it more energy independent than that. I live in a remote area outside of San Francisco which is not serviced by ANY energy company. I have lived with independent energy for over 10 years and find it very satisfying that I do not need to supplement my energy requirements unless we have MANY days without sunshine (in California?). When we do have to supplement, we do have to use generator. If we were on the grid, it would be supplemented with grid power. Is there the prospect to make a green home even more energy independent than 10%?

Posted by Lolli – March 20, 2008 7:12 PM

Actually the size of the home is one of of the things they got close to right. Being green isn't only about using less energy and more environmentally friendly products but also using less of them.

Modern Americans consume vast quantities of materials. We currently import more than 60% of the wood we use. As long as we are doing that "certified sustainable" wood products have no real meaning because anyone can set aside a small forest for the .001% of the market which is buying that wood product.

If America decided that it would not import anymore wood and all wood had to come from our own sustainable forests we would see the cost of lumber rising 100% or more.

Also the larger the house the more energy it takes to operate. It wasn't that many years ago that the average sized home in America was 1600 sq. ft. I have designed and built many houses that are 1200 sq. ft. So comparatively this is still a McMansion. Particularly when you take into account that this house will most likely be occupied by empty nester's.

Posted by Chris Stewart – March 21, 2008 9:29 AM

IT looks like a nice home with modern energy efficient ideas incorporated into it, but where's the solar panels for generating electricity or at least making hot water? Also, does the air conditioning and heating systems employ thermal energy? My brother built a home up in NC and he uses all these things to make his home energy efficient, but I don't see these things used in this house or did I just miss them?

Posted by Leonard Belanger – March 21, 2008 11:49 AM

THANK YOU HGTV!!! The Earth loves green and so do we. Great job...keep up the good work.

Posted by Armand Biron – March 21, 2008 2:31 PM

Just virtually toured the home and I'm confused as to the green factor? Where is it? I don't see low flow faucets, truly energy-efficient appliances, green landscaping (where did the trees go that originally shaded the property and kept it naturally cooler), a fuel efficient vehicle in front of the place, curtains in the living area for cooling, space for recycling, and so on....On top of that it appears that the place is replete with chemicals that aren't all that green/healthy either....Nice try but I think it was a missed opportunity for some leadership.

Posted by Confused – March 21, 2008 2:55 PM

I love the house and the decor but did not see any information listed about the kitchen cabinetry or the color of the cabinets. Was this listed somewhere and I'm just not seeing it?

Posted by Jennifer S. – March 21, 2008 9:39 PM

Omg , You people are so rude, that Home is Beautiful, and the landscaping nice,and some of them ask where did the tree's go? if I won I would put me in some flowers and tree's I'm truly impressed . this home is beautiful. and you people are acting rude and nasty. one said the house is small, fine with me because I
have never been married no kids, it seems pretty prefect, to me. :) now this eco-friendly home is truly a dream home I think.

Posted by donna – March 21, 2008 11:51 PM

I didn't notice it mentioned anywhere but were the paints used environmentally friendly?

Posted by B.Stein – March 22, 2008 10:43 AM

Don't know how I missed it the first time but yes they did use env. friendly (low VOC) paint.

I am also curious as to where they hid the closets in the bedrooms and/or linen closet for the master bedroom.

Posted by B. Stein – March 22, 2008 11:08 AM

I had the same questions as Leonard Belanger. Cooling and heating? The house is great, but what about these important features?

Posted by Anne Bowerman – March 24, 2008 12:25 PM

I may have missed it but what type of HVAC equipment was used for the home? Since most our utility expenses go to this (air conditioning and heating), I would like to know the type of equipment and brand used. Was it geothermal or a traditional split system?

Posted by Mike D. – March 24, 2008 1:09 PM

I am watching the Green Home tour now and this is very disappointing. The designer managed to fill the house flea market furniture and the color green so voila.. a green house.

So far she has managed to identify all of the items she repurposed and there was no mention of the tub. The claw foot tub in the master was something functional that could have been repurposed instead of buying new.

Why didn't they call Ed?

I also find it interesting that one of her "green" items was the buffet in the dining room. This was a former bakery cabinet that she removed the glass doors from and used for dish storage. An open space to store dishes means dust in the dishes and more washing. Not so green.

People on this thread seem to be aware of the more substantial green elements missing from the house so I wanted to point out the smaller ones that anyone can do with ease and a little thought.

I do have to confess that I did get a great laugh when she informed the host that she thinks open food storage is better because you can see everything without having to look for it and that seems very green to her. I guess the design philosophy here is "if it seems green, it must be green".

I wish HGTV would have taken the budget spent on furnishing the house and used it for a Platimun LEED rating. With the amount of furniture crammed into that house they probably would only need half of the furnishing budet. Why didn't they call Ed?

Posted by Mischa H – March 25, 2008 10:55 PM

Dear staff at HGTV:

I have been entering the HGTV dream home sweepsteaks for years. I live in south Florida and had hoped to win the Islamorado home. For the last 16 years I have been working to acquire land for conservation value. The last 14 years I was the Prgram Manager for The Nature Conservnacy on contract to Miami Dade County to acquire land for the Everglades Restoration Project which is the largest restoration project ever to to be undertaken. Needless to say that I have a strong conservation ethic. I am engaged to a man who has similiar commitments to the environment. We are enchanted with your green home and would hope to retire there and possible to provide a peaceful space for my elderly father and his wife to enjoy the rest of there lives. We have always lived near or on the water and this house seems perfect for us. I applaude your green effort and hope that it encourages others to do make environmentally responsible decisions.

All the best to you and your staff.

Paula

Posted by Paula Moye – March 29, 2008 1:08 PM

I was so disappointed that I didn't win the Florida Keys home, (and the reaction of the winner seemed odd) but now I feel this is the home I am supposed to have. Linda's decorating is eclectic, stunning, and charming. The exterior is the best yet, and it's green too!

Posted by Bev Caterino – March 31, 2008 3:25 PM

An important part of Location and Sustainability is adapting to climatic conditions of your area. Your beautiful GreenHome is sitting flush to the ground. OOOPS! It needs to be elevated about 9 feet OFF THE GROUND! The next big hurricane that comes through is going to overflood it and ruin everything. Probably won't take 12 years to accomplish a massive destruction. Look back to the beautiful photos of your South Carolina Coastal tour. All the oldest buildings (the Old South mansion, the fish restaurant on the coast, the old buildings in Savannah) have their first floors about 9-12 feet off the ground. The ground floor is really a basement for storage, mud room, laundry room, etc., not for rugs, furnishings, fine finishes etc.

Posted by Rita Fellers – March 31, 2008 3:46 PM

GREEN HOME IS THE BEST EVER.I WANT TO WIN THIS BCOZ I LOVE GREEN THATS WHY IM INSPIRED TO ENTER EVERYDAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS.THANKS HGTV

Posted by virginia kiely – April 3, 2008 7:11 PM

Green? You've got to be kidding, right?

I just watched the show and couldn't believe how much COMSUMPTIVE EXCESS there was in this house. There were lights all over the place that didn't provide any usable light, but where there only for "design". That is not very green. There were huge TV's in many of the rooms. I could go on and on.

But what has to be the least green thing about it is that you promoted GOLF! Watering golf courses wastes so much water that I honestly believe they should be illegal!

Sure, you used recycled materials for a lot of it, but you seem to have built it for the person who merely wants to feel good about themselves rather than someone who REALLY cares about preserving our world.

Sorry, nice thought but you missed the mark in so many ways.

Posted by Paul Biron – April 4, 2008 11:11 AM

Interesting that you used CaesarStone for the countertops and backsplash.

This is manufactured quartz, everyone! I know it has great scratch-resistant/anti-microbial properties, but it is not renewable or sustainable. This, in my book (and a lot of other people's) makes it not even remotely "green". And there are polymers and resins used in it. Nowhere on their website does CaesarStone say it is "green", or talk about low VOC's from its resins. That's probably because it does emit off-gassing! But who knows? It's not even addressed!

There are several companies in the country who are doing a beautiful job with using recycled glass and low-VOC resins to create custom countertops. EnviroGlas, Ice Stone, Vetrazzo, and Coverings, to name just a few. (No, I do not work at any of these companies). Why didn't Tradition/HGTV use some truly sustainable countertops in this house?

This was a missed opportunity! You should have done more research and promoted one of these smaller companies who is doing truly sustainable work in countertops. Could it be that CaesarStone was able to write the bigger check?

Posted by martra – April 7, 2008 5:43 AM

WOW...What to say and where to start. Well Im going to make it short and sweet. What you guys do is a blessing to so many people:) Trust me im sure alot of us, even you have alot to deal with on a daily basis and Im sure that you get tired of reading them but I just want to say that I wish there were more people like you in the world today and I wish someone who truely needs this wins it. I always see people who already have homes and nice cars etc...win. It would be great to see a single dad or single mom ....someone who doesnt own a home get this. I would also like to say the airing on tv...it seems as if the winners arent excited. I know its retaped but If someone really needed it they would show it. I dont think I would stop crying....lol
Well good luck to everyone and god bless those of you who put the hard work and money into this program!

Posted by Joann – April 8, 2008 12:15 AM

Thank you for explaining all the amazing ways you're making a difference to our environment with this home. I really didn't understand what a "green" home was all about until I read the article. It's made my husband and I think about things we can do when replacing appliances, water heaters, etc. in our own home. Good Luck to everyone entering the contest.

Posted by Ellen – April 9, 2008 11:13 AM

I agree Joann...I think it would be nice no offence to anyone who is married and or retired, or who already has ha home. But a single mom or dad. A widow and or widower to win would be a real home giveaway thats is so well deserved. You always see the big give and all these shows giving things away abut never to those types of families, makes you wonder why?

Posted by Leah – April 13, 2008 11:42 PM

One thing I would love to see in a "green" home is a clothes line in the back yard. The amount of electricity used with ANY clothes dryer, even the most efficient, is staggering when compared to a "solar" dryer. Line drying is easier on the environment, easier on your wallet and easier on your clothes. I invite you to visit www.laundrylist.org for more information and strongly encourage people to "hang out". You'll love the way line dried laundry smells.

Posted by Laura – April 15, 2008 9:32 AM

The house is great!! How can I get more info on the company that did the solar panels?

Posted by Carl – April 22, 2008 9:43 PM

For the Editor - Kelley,

I read your post about the garage. So I almost understand why you can’t have an interior entrance. Yet, I am still confused by the layout and the traffic patterns within the house. First, which veranda are you referring to? You and your article reference the “south veranda” yet the floor plan shows that being on the opposite end of the house. Do you mean the north veranda? Or is the online virtual tour mislabeled? Yes, the entrance from the back of the garage and into the living room is covered, but now you’re entering the home directly into the living room. My experience is that most people enter their homes coming from the garage. That said, why is the shoe caddy in the foyer such a focal point when the most used entrance will likely be the living room (as you come in from the garage)? If it did indeed help achieve the gold LEED rating, I feel it is almost under false pretenses. (And on the subject of LEED ratings – how do homeowner lifestyle effect the point system? Why would a removable piece of furniture get you points? I don’t understand why or where on the checklist this would be.)

I just find it confusing.

Posted by Erin T – May 2, 2008 11:36 PM

Jenny Pender,

I agree with you. I am originally from the Raleigh, NC area and I hate almost all of the new construction subdivisions. They mass clear-cut the sites so it is simpler to mass-grade the site for drainage purposes. I’m not against grading. I’m against cutting down every tree (which they have a tendency to burn onsite to get rid of them). Then they plant the one mandatory fruit tree. I hate it. It’s such a waste.

I don’t know as much about Hilton Head, but I can understand your frustration with people attempting to turn it into mini-Florida.

Posted by Erin T. – May 2, 2008 11:42 PM