Power Saver

In case David and Carol decide to retire to their lakeside retreat, the house’s roof is wired for solar panels, which could make the structure more energy-independent and economical. In the bath, Nathan installed a sun tube in the ceiling. The reflective tube redirects sunlight from the roof, saving energy and money on electric usage. He also included a cedar sauna, which seems like a splurge but ended up being well worth the added expense. “It’s the quickest way to warm up on a winter day,” Nathan says. “And it proves that fine living mixes well with green design.”

With one good construction experience under their belts, the couple hasn’t ruled out building another home. “Green, of course,” Carol says. “Now I wouldn’t build any other way.”

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