As Preston over at Jetson Green points out, precise details on the home are trickling out on HGTV Green Home central before the home reaches "showcase" status in April. So far, it’s been established that the home is built from green and sustainable materials and features low-water landscaping, a rainwater collection system, solar photovoltaics, soy-based spray foam insulation, EnergyStar roofing, Smart Sun efficient windows, and a stone masonry chimney built from reclaimed New England fieldstone.

 

I'm certainly liking what I see, particularly the striking three-story tower and the recycled oak wine barrel with spigot for rainwater collection. It seems that the HGTV team have done a bang-up job respecting the architectural traditions of America’s oldest colony — the whole affair looks pretty New England-y without being over-the-top — while integrating the best and brightest in green building techniques. And yes, it may be easy to discredit large-ish homes built specifically for a TV sweepstakes, but these thoughtfully designed and built homes are the real deal. 

I’ll keep you posted as the contest moves forward. Do you like what you see so far?