The RainShine House — designed by Robert M. Cain, Architect, AIA, LEED AP and built by Pinnacle Custom Builders — has received LEED Platinum certification.  According to a recent press release, it's the first modernist residence in the Southeastern U.S. to achieve such a lofty green certification.  The Decatur, Georgia home will be featured in the Modern Atlanta Home Tour on May 16-17, so if you're in the area go check it out.  It's beautiful, and I have a feeling a media wave is about to hit.  Here are some of the green products and elements of the home:

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This house — designed by Paul Raff Studio — has been recognized by GreenSource Magazine as the Best Green House for April 2009.  The 3,500 square-foot home was optimally situated to receive natural light and efficiently built using SIPs.  With automated shades, passive ventilation, and mature deciduous trees, the Cascade House stays cool in the summer and absorbs warm light in the winter. 

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There's an interesting green community in development in West Sacramento, California with 35 homes.  Good is a pilot project under LEED-ND and recently received the 2009 Smart Growth Award from Breathe California!  LJ Urban is the developer with a simple mantra:  Dream big.  Living Small.  Do Good.  That's the idea behind this community, and phase one is sold out.  Phase two is underway with prices from the mid-200 thousands, so check these out if you're in the market.  Good has an impressive list of the following green features:

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The Wall Street Journal asked four architects to draw up plans for the most energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable house they could imagine.  Moreover, the Journal asked them to do it without thinking about cost, technology, aesthetics, or the way people habitually live.   The plans were published yesterday.  What do you think about these green houses?

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I just love this grain silo home — it's a fantastic example of adaptive reuse.  In 2007, Gruene Homestead Inn purchased the 1940s grain silo and remodeled the interior and exterior.  The result is authentic and incredible.  Can you imagine chilling on that front porch, enjoying a little Texas summer?  The Silo includes one bedroom and one bathroom in a loft-type setup for the rental price of $175/$210 a night. 

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