Ken Pieper and Associates designed 995 Longbow Place to produce a utility bill costing no more than $350 a month, a paltry sum when considering that most homes this size can cost more than $2,000 for heat and electricity.

High heating costs usually are caused by drafty homes, a problem solved here with a unique wrap-around wall insulation. Dual, 90 percent efficient, hot-water heating systems are aided by two solar thermal panels on the roof that pre-heat all the domestic water. Four additional solar electric panels produce enough electricity to run the homes six refrigerators.

Building green is building efficient, and no detail of efficient building was overlooked in the construction of this home, with a laundry list of innovations, techniques and environmentally friendly products surpassing Built Green standards. These builders used recycled, reclaimed and organic materials whenever possible, including the Cultured Logs, log-finish exterior, made from composite material, as well as non-toxic blown-in insulation. All the hardwood floors are reclaimed antique hickory, taken from a barn built in Virginia in the late 1800's. All the paints and stains are VOC free and even the vegetation cleared at the homesite was mulched and returned to the land.

Designers began this project to build the greenest home possible without sacrificing amenities that a buyer at this price range would want. This $4.5 million home includes a state-of-the-art media room, wine cellar, game room, exercise area and several family gathering areas, all in a PGA Golf development with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

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