Eco-Friendly Architecture from Around the Globe: My Top 5 Favorites!

Eco-friendly architecture is becoming more and more popular as people are becoming more and more aware of how their carbon footprint is effecting the environment. Green builders are coming up with amazing, sustainable homes that are not only visually incredible, but are also incredibly self-sufficient. With so many amazing examples to choose from, it was hard to narrow down my favorites, but here they are:

1.    The Chamfer Home, Designed by S-Archetype

Cute and compact, the Chamfer Home is the first selection on my list of favorites! Who would guess this cubic, contemporary masterpiece is actually a mobile home? Thanks to its fabulous, lightweight design, the Chamfer Home can be situated virtually anywhere. It is made out of sustainable materials and uses passive ventilation and solar gain as a heating and cooling system.

2.    Off-the-Grid Home, Designed by Ábaton

This gorgeous, stone humble abode is second on my list of favorites. Located in the countryside of Extremadura, Spain, this charming eco-home started out as a run-down stable that was converted into a beautiful, self-sufficient family chalet. It is made from renewable resources and runs on solar heat gain and hydro-electricity.

3.    The Treehouse, Designed by Baumraum

Up between the branches of Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium, The Treehouse designed by German-based architectural firm BaumRaum stands tall. Third on my list of unbelievable eco-architecture, The Treehouse is a large, adult-friendly playground that uses advancements in green technology in every square inch of its structure. A CO2 neutral system and solar power are used to cool and heat the house, while energy-efficient LED lights brighten up its interior.

4.  House Ocho, Designed by Feldman Architecture

Modern and vibrant, House Ocho is a spectacular home located in the small city of Carmel, California. Fourth on my list of favorites, the house received an Energy and Sustainability Honor award from the American Institute of Architects in 2007 for its use of passive solar heating and living roofs. At 2,900 square feet, this eco-palace is as much a retreat as it is a green-friendly living space.

5.    Autark Home, Designed by Pieter Kromwijk

Just about the coolest houseboat I’ve ever seen, Autark is the fifth and final home on my list of favorites. A floating “Paussivhaus” (or insulated-box) docked in Maastricht, Netherlands, Autark runs on solar power and is said to be nearly 10x as energy-efficient as your everyday house. It uses a photovoltaic (PV) system for energy and water is processed through a built-in water treatment system. Now that’s an eco-friendly boathouse!

* All images via Inhabitat.com