As construction on Desert Rain (a Living Building Challenge custom home) nears completion, we find ourselves reflecting on the process and on green building in Central Oregon. Sustainable building and healthy homes are at the core of the work we do and this project has deepened our understanding and commitment to these values.

The Desert Rain House has many elements that make it the most green custom home we have ever built. ...The heat pump (Daikin Altherma) installed by Bobcat & Sun is an innovative system that heats the home, produces domestic hot water, and can even cool spaces.

ML Vidas, a local architect and sustainability consultant, gave a presentation that summarizes the thought behind Living Building Challenge – a program of the International Living Future Institute – and the seven performance areas for green building.

Desert Rain, the uber green, custom home we are building, is the first home in Bend, and in the entire state of Oregon, to receive a residential waste water permit. This means we have approval to use the grey water system that will treat and reuse waste water from sinks showers and laundry.

ome stuccos are greener than others and we’re just wrapping up work with one of the most sustainable stuccos available. ...Though not as commonly used today, lime has many advantages over cement. It is a nearly carbon neutral material. The lower environmental impact of lime is definitely important in the construction of this Living Building Challenge project.