In a roadside meadow atop a gentle hill in Bainbridge Island, Wash., sits one of architect Russell Hamlet's recent projects. The two-story red house at the north end of the field evokes a traditional farmhouse but has a contemporary flair. For starters, the roof sports photovoltaic panels, and a bank of solar hot-water collectors braces the patio trellis. Between them, the house should be energy neutral. Materials-from the framing lumber to the paint to the kitchen countertops-were chosen to limit their environmental impact and to eliminate noxious off-gassing in the house. Building green also takes location into account: This house is just a half-mile walk from the village center. A bus stop on the street connects to the ferry, so car keys aren't needed for the commute to Seattle. If all this sounds great, consider that a plaque by the front door says that the U.S.
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