The EnviroHome addresses several sustainability and lifestyle challenges:
1. Reduction of the carbon footprintby eliminating commuting. The house has a dedicated work environment, completely separated from the residential area, with enough flexibility to accommodate activities from office work to micro manufacturing.
2. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle by growing fresh fruit and vegetablesyear round and locating the main food preparation and serving area immediately adjacent to the planters.
3. Reduction of heat loss through a double wall/storage system and use of photovoltaic and passive solar systems for electricity and hot water.
4. Reduction of storm water run-off. All the water gathered from the roof is stored in retention basins and used to water the planters.
5. Encouraging children to learn and explore by making the multimedia library a magical landscaped play area with fruit trees, level changes and little storage cubbies for books, games and toys. With wireless technology this area becomes well suited for distance learning.
6. Making full use of day light. Maturing tree canopies create shade and reduce glare.