The screened porch, located off the living room, is the third of the Green Home's four porches. Capable of comfortably seating eight, this space can be used as overflow for parties or relaxing with your family.Interior designer Linda Woodrum recommends buying high-quality, long-lasting furniture like the wicker chairs used on the porch, which boast cushions covered with eco-friendly outdoor fabric. The bright green table in the seating area was salvaged from an antique store and painted with low-VOC paint, which does not release toxic chemicals. All paints and stains in the home are low-VOC and anti-microbial to resist mold growth.
From your seat on the porch, you can enjoy the view of the lagoon and south garden. This garden features native and drought-tolerant plants that reduce the need for irrigation and pesticides and attract bees and birds. The putting green is one of two grassy areas in the landscape. It is large enough for children to play on but small enough to cut with a push mower, which eliminates the need for a fossil-fueled lawn mower.
Tradition's storm water system collects rain water and stores it in collection ponds to irrigate the neighborhood lawns. The home's irrigation system senses rain and will not water during wet weather.
From this porch you can also see the fire pit that features six Adirondack chairs and a 19th century replica syrup kettle made by a local artisan. Most of the materials used to construct the house will be manufactured or harvested within 500 miles of the site. This reduces transportation costs and associated greenhouse gases, while encouraging a healthy local economy.
Take a 360-degree tour of this room »
View a slide show gallery of this room »
Shop for furnishings, fixtures and other products found in this room in the HGTV MarketPlace »
