The Low Impact Guide

We believe building a home should feel empowering, not overwhelming. The Low Impact Guide provides practical guidance for creating thoughtful, high-performance homes that balance beauty, efficiency, and affordability.

Design Smarter. Build Better. Live Lighter.

The Shape and Size of a House

The Shape and Size of a House

Before you look at house plans. Before you fall in love with a piece of land. Before you start sketching kitchens or imagining window seats. Pause. The most important decisions...

The Shape and Size of a House

Before you look at house plans. Before you fall in love with a piece of land. Before you start sketching kitchens or imagining window seats. Pause. The most important decisions...

The Low Impact Design Philosophy

The Low Impact Design Philosophy

Homes shape the way we live. They hold our routines, our families, and our small rituals. And yet, for something so personal, most homes in America are built with surprisingly...

The Low Impact Design Philosophy

Homes shape the way we live. They hold our routines, our families, and our small rituals. And yet, for something so personal, most homes in America are built with surprisingly...

How to Insulate an Attic or Roof the Smart Way: For Post-and-Beam or Stick-Frame Homes

How to Insulate an Attic or Roof the Smart Way:...

A warm, quiet, and efficient home doesn’t require expensive materials, just a good understanding of how air, heat, and moisture behave, and how to layer materials with purpose.

How to Insulate an Attic or Roof the Smart Way:...

A warm, quiet, and efficient home doesn’t require expensive materials, just a good understanding of how air, heat, and moisture behave, and how to layer materials with purpose.

Building Smarter Walls: What We've Learned About Energy Efficiency in Post-and-Beam Homes

Building Smarter Walls: What We've Learned Abou...

The best walls aren’t necessarily the thickest or the most expensive. They’re the ones built with balance, care, and an understanding of how materials work together.

Building Smarter Walls: What We've Learned Abou...

The best walls aren’t necessarily the thickest or the most expensive. They’re the ones built with balance, care, and an understanding of how materials work together.

Post and Beam vs. Traditional Framing: Can You Build a Timber Beauty For a Reasonable Price?

Post and Beam vs. Traditional Framing: Can You ...

Post-and-beam homes have an unmistakable presence — warm wood, open structure, and timeless character. But are they only for high budgets? Not necessarily. With thoughtful design, a timber-framed home can...

Post and Beam vs. Traditional Framing: Can You ...

Post-and-beam homes have an unmistakable presence — warm wood, open structure, and timeless character. But are they only for high budgets? Not necessarily. With thoughtful design, a timber-framed home can...

How to Make New Construction Feel Unique Without Spending a Lot

How to Make New Construction Feel Unique Withou...

A new home doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel special. With thoughtful design and a few well-chosen details, even a modest build can have character and warmth.

How to Make New Construction Feel Unique Withou...

A new home doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel special. With thoughtful design and a few well-chosen details, even a modest build can have character and warmth.