Green homes can be luxurious. Nebraska is proof.

Historic downtown Frankfort Illinois is the showcase the town’s first of many green homes. This stately residence of 4000 square feet has five bedrooms, six baths, and all the modern comforts of a luxury home plus the benefits of being green.

Fitting in with the historic look of the area was one of the most important challenges to the builder. Paying attention to detail, this green home builder completed a home that is larger than the surrounding houses, but fits in beautifully. Textured brick was brush-painted a pastel coat to give the exterior the desired look.

Recycled materials were used in this effort. Shredded newspaper insulates the home against heat and cold. Upon entering the foyer, the first noticeable feature is the tile flooring made from tiles from a church in France. The wood floors are from an old dismantled barn in Georgia to add to the historic feel.

The green home builder of this house was diligent in keeping the home green, right down to the plumbing. In order for the home to conserve water, a resource that is becoming more valuable by the hour, low flow faucets were installed along with dual flush toilets. The bathroom fans shut off automatically with a timer.

A clever green home builder always makes use of as much space in a home as possible. This particular Frankfort custom home builder made sure to do just that when they finished a 500 square feet area above the garage. This detail makes an excellent office or man cave.

Keeping the children in mind and still making use of all available space, a children’s play area adorns the basement. A child’s imagination will be stimulated by the play fort and police department. The media center, craft station, and tree swing will keep them busy on rainy days. The karaoke stage makes for wonderful entertainment for the entire family.

The grounds of this beautiful Frankfort Illinois home are as well planned as the house. Three interactive fountains dress the grounds along with a guest residence that poses as a pool house situated on the extra lot. The pool boasts two showers in a stone enclosure.

Also on the grounds is a gazebo equipped with an outdoor kitchen. When thinking green, outside cooking keeps heat from the indoors on hot summer days. With a set-up that is comfortable and pleasant, it’s not much of a chore to cook outside. An outdoor fireplace at the rear of the house completes this residence. Covered by a large veranda, this is one of the family’s favorite places to sit, regardless of what season it may be.

Why Build Green Homes?

Green buildings have a higher market value and retain that value better. There are federal tax incentives in the building and development of green buildings, along with state and local incentives in many areas. The lower demand for energy in green buildings is an obvious advantage. One overlooked advantage is the strain they take off municipal utilities and power companies. When there is no need for expansion of these providers, there is no cost passed on to the consumer for expenditures.