Exhibition Showcases Trends in Sustainable Architecture

The latest innovations in “green” residential architecture are showcased in the School of Architecture’s first exhibition of the new academic year.

“The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture” draws on designs of internationally celebrated architects and features new trends, materials and technology in sustainable construction. The show will raise awareness that a healthy and environmentally friendly home can be aesthetically dynamic and physically comfortable, too, say the exhibition organizers.

“The Green House” is a traveling exhibition that originated at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The 21 houses that are showcased in the exhibition are the work of designers from around the world, including Peter Carmichael of Australia; Kengo Kuma & Associates of China; Werner Sobek Ingenieure of Germany; Driendl Architects of Austria; Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten of the Netherlands; and the U.S. firms of Cook + Fox, Rick Joy Architects, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, William McDonough + Partners and Jennifer Siegal of the Office of Mobile Design.

Each of the featured homes reflects the particular environment and landscape for which it was designed, ranging from desert to seacoast and mountainside to major metropolis.

The exhibition, curated by Donald Albrecht, explores the five principles of sustainable architecture: using land efficiently and economically; exploiting the sun; conserving energy; keeping the indoors healthy; and respecting the earth’s limited resources. Visitors will learn how to put some of these principles into practice in their own homes, and will also be introduced to such new eco-friendly materials as recycled glass countertops and coconut palm flooring. Visitors will receive a free resource guide with information about green architecture.

“The Green House” will be on view through Oct. 16. The exhibit is organized by the National Building Museum and presented by the Home Depot Foundation with support from the ASID Foundation of the American Society of Interior Designers, Portland Cement Association, Benjamin Moore® Paints, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Energy Star, The Nathan Cummings Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The exhibition in Paul Rudolph Hall, 180 York St., is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.