The Hybrid House: Designing With Sun, Wind, Water, and Earth

Tap renewable resources to reduce carbon consumption and increase energy efficiency.

The Hybrid House highlights real people who have used a combination of design strategies to reduce their energy use--sometimes by as much as 90 percent Author and photographer Catherine Wanek showcases sustainable new and renovated houses that incorporate natural building materials like straw bales, adobe and real wood, with renewable energy systems, that will minimize a modern home's carbon footprint, while ensuring a healthy environment for residents. See inspiring contemporary examples from the United States, Canada and Europe.

Catherine Wanek is the author and photographer of The New Strawbale Home and co-editor/author of The Art of Natural Building. She lives in Hillsboro, New Mexico.