We nearly always recommend connecting buildings to the electric grid. But with the grid a half-mile away, the connection cost far outweighed the cost of photovoltaics, batteries, and a backup generator. So this family embraced the off-grid lifestyle, including photovoltaics, a masonry heater, and a solar hot water system for domestic hot water and auxiliary building heat. The main floor floats above a small basement, since they did not need more basement space (this space-saving tactic also disturbs less land). All this, with a fabulous south-facing view to absorb the warmth of the winter sun, makes for off-the-grid living that anyone would enjoy.

Location: Granby, Colorado

Sustainability: Photovoltaics, evacuated tube solar hot water, masonry heater, high levels of insulation, low-VOC finishes, reduced site disturbance, off-grid.