This is C6, the first low-cost LivingHome and the only “Zero Energy, Zero Carbon production home ever to feature a LEED Platinum level environmental program and Cradle-to-Cradle inspired materials,” according to California-based green prefab company, LivingHomes.  It was designed by LivingHomes in collaboration with Make It Right, which was founded by Brad Pitt and Bill McDonough, and will open for tours this month in Palm Springs, California (and there’s also one in Long Beach).

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Okay, really the only connection to Valentine’s Day is the color of the home, but check out this bold, industrial container home in Lille, France.  Designed by Patrick Partouche with eight intermodal shipping container units, the home has about 2,200 square feet with great views through large windows and light through polycarbonate panels.  Maison Container Lille installed by crane in three days of site work.

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This is the Tiburon Bay House, a stunning LEED Platinum home owned by Helene Marsh in the San Francisco Bay area.  It was designed by Butler Armsden Architects and built by McDonald Construction & Development, Inc., the same company behind a couple other high-profile LEED Platinum homes — the Margarido House and the Hillside House.  Tiburon Bay House replaces a 1,500 square-foot home that was deconstructed by hand with 95% of the material going to reuse or recycling.

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Update 2/23/2012 – Ideabox AKTIV with IKEA Hits Portland

In addition to the Minibox, Oregon-based Ideabox is readying a new prefab in collaboration with IKEA Portland for the Portland Home & Garden Show slotted for February 22-26, 2012. Called “Aktiv,” the home is a new design centered around IKEA products, such as their kitchens, lights, furniture, and other materials. The intent is a cost effective home with great open spaces, soaring vaulted ceilings, and clean modern lines.

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This is The New American Home — a project built every year in conjunction with the NAHB’s International Builders’ Show — in Orlando, Florida.  The 4,000 square-foot home collected eight green building certifications, including LEED Platinum and NAHB Emerald, and is expected to consume 52% less energy than a standard home of similar size.  Plus, a 4.0 kW solar array provides about 18% of annual energy needs.

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