Eco-friendly homes of the future

by Ann Hayward 07/21/2025

Eco friendly homes of the future featured image

As the topic of sustainability and eco-friendly rings throughout media outlets and at the dinner table, there has been a rising interest in eco homes. 

Eco homes combine old knowledge and designs along with new technologies such as solar panels to maximize energy efficiency and promote healthy energy consumption. 


Green homes

A green home is built with the least amount of toxic chemicals to promote healthy living. For example, using paint with low to zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for cleaner air. 

Rooftop solar panels are often added to eco-friendly houses to make them incredibly energy efficient. 


Bamboo homes

Homes made of bamboo are sturdy and can withstand harsh weather. Bamboo is also more eco-friendly than traditional dry-wall homes, and the home built can be customized depending on the climate you live in. 

Timber bamboo is strong and can be used for homes in moderate climates, whereas homes in colder climates may need to be built as a hybrid to suit colder temperatures. 


An eco house in the forest

A forest eco house gently ties together the luxury of modern living with a natural element. As the home is built, surrounding trees are left untouched to prevent unnecessary deforestation. A green roof full of vegetation is used to blend the home into its lush forest surroundings and promote a sense of oneness with nature. 

Eco-homes are the way of the future. If you’re interested in learning more about these structures, consider speaking with a local green home building company.

About the Author
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]