An artist wanted to build a green farm house in rural Texas. She was ready to leave her place in town to live on her farm, but only if the new home had the look and feel of a traditional homestead. She was determined to build without air-conditioning by using the same understanding of conservation as the frugal pioneers.
The architects organized the home around a large open room, a porch and a breezeway. By careful placement on the site, prevailing breezes cool the house the entire summer. Rainwater collection provides for nearly all of the water needs for the house and farm.