Featured in Dwell Magazine Nov/Dec 2024

‘Optimistic American Architecture’

A showcase home we built in 2024 on Fair Ave in Santa Cruz is featured in an annual issue of Dwell Magazine on the state of American design. Editors write: “This year, we’re highlighting work that shines through an acrimonious moment—and makes the case for optimism.”

Explore our photo gallery of the Home and ADU

And Read the full story on Dwell.com (subscription required)

Explore the Nov./Dec. 2024 Issue online

Local Company Builds Hope With Habitat

“Spencer Keenan and almost his whole team at Santa Cruz Green Builders sacrificed two days of work doing construction to, well, do construction. On December 9th and 10th,”… Read Full Article

Passive House Delivers 80% Energy Reduction in a 90-Year-Old House in Santa Cruz

Home Energy Pros - By Chie Kawahara "After years of telling friends, 'When we remodel our house to Passive House standards we will use 80% less energy than similar homes in the area,' and crossing our fingers that the data proved out, we are delighted to share with you our first year's energy data for living in Midori Haus"… Read More

Santa Cruz’s First ‘Passive House’ Built By Santa Cruz Green Builders

SantaCruz.com - By Jessica Lyons "Passive Houses use 90 percent less energy than typical existing homes and 75 percent less energy than most new homes, according to the Passive House Institute, which sets the PH Standard. They rely on the sun, internal heat sources (such as shower steam) and heat recovery, making active heating systems unnecessary, even on the coldest winter nights. Strategic shading, window glazing and ventilation keep Passive Houses cool on warmer days without air conditioning"… Read Full Article

Cleaning Up a Classic Craftsman

This Old House - By Fred Albert
"Energy-efficient updates, nontoxic finishes, and a save-what-you-can mind-set bring back the glow to a once-neglected bungalow. Located half a block from the beach on a scenic stretch of Santa Cruz coastline, the 1907 Craftsman bungalow seemed to have plenty going for it. Dusky expanses of old-growth fir wrapped the walls and windows in a warm embrace that extended from the paneled entry hall to the built-in buffet in the dining room…" Read Full Article

Make Your Home More Environmentally Conscious With Help From Santa Cruz Green Builders

The Good Times - By Joel Hersch
"Did you know that having the walls and ceiling of your house packed full of cellulose - recycled cloth and paper fibers - can do wonders for the heating bill? Or that the ability to select how much water you flush down the toilet is an excellent way to conserve water? Or that choosing the right interior wall paint - a product without volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - can help reduce your chances of getting sick?  Well, it's all true..." Read Full Article

It's Alive: Green Roofs a Growing Trend

San Jose Mercury News - By Jennifer Parrish
"When the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco calls itself the greenest museum in the world, you should take it literally. In addition to its many sustainable design features, the museum now blends in nicely with the surrounding verdancy of Golden Gate Park thanks to the presence of a "green" or "living" roof. Accessible to visitors, this extensive 2.5 acres of undulating vegetation is more than just a rooftop garden. Instead, it forms part of the roof itself…" Read Full Article