Most of the stunning, eco-friendly homes you see in magazines are out of reach for mainstream America. But not the Concept Home.

PATH has a bold vision for the future of housing in America. We believe that housing should be sustainable, durable, flexible--and above all, affordable. That's why so many Concept Home technologies are highly durable, are water- or energy-efficient, and speed the time it takes to build a home.

While some of those technologies have a higher price tag, the long-term maintenance and day-to-day operational costs of the home will be significantly lower. Durability and/or efficiency mark these Concept Home technologies:

[IMAGE: Through the ease and speed of assembling factory-built components, panelized wall, floor and roof systems allow a home to be built in days rather than weeks. Photo courtesy of Rob Yagid, Fine Homebuilding.]
Through the ease and speed of assembling factory-built components, panelized wall, floor and roof systems allow a home to be built in days rather than weeks. Photo courtesy of Rob Yagid, Fine Homebuilding.

• Attic wrap
• Dual-flush toilet and low-flow fixtures
• ENERGY STAR qualified appliances
• ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors
• Foundation waterproofing membrane system
• Grey water reuse
• Insulative vinyl siding
• Metal roof

• Mold-resistant gypsum board
• Panelized insulating concrete forms
• PEX piping
• Plumbing manifold
• Smart exhaust ventilation fans
• Spray foam insulation
• Tankless water heater
• Whole-house ventilation system

Building a new home?

Here are the blueprints for the PATH Concept Home, yours free. Bring them to your builder; share them with your friends.

Remodeling?

If you're remodeling and just want some new ideas, visit our components page for a complete list of Concept Home technologies.

[IMAGE: house and money.bmp]

Some Concept Home technologies can also significantly speed construction while improving the quality of the home. A house that requires less labor and fewer materials to build should cost less (although speed, and savings, can depend on your builder's familiarity with the system):

• Air admittance valves
• Panelized insulating concrete forms
• PEX piping
• Plumbing manifold
• Prefabricated roof trusses
• Prefabricated walls and floors
• Prefabricated window trim
• Quick-release fittings at faucets
• Quick-install floating flooring