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Earth-Friendly Features

Living on Washington's beautiful Whidbey Island, an area experiencing tremendous growth, Chapin recognized the effects of human encroachment. This awareness influenced his vision for simpler homes in smarter communities using less land. "Resources are dwindling, yet we use more resources to live," Chapin says.

In addition to doubling the land efficiency by arranging eight detached single-family homes on property previously zoned for only four, Chapin designed these homes with innovative, earth-friendly ideas. He used no old-growth wood, instead opting for second-growth hemlock trim. The homes have fiber concrete siding rather than wood and feature energy-efficient in-floor heating.

The Homeowners

With all these thoughtful details and the opportunity to live in a community that's both earth-friendly and just plain friendly, it's no surprise that the Cottage Company's developments sell out quickly. Cottage owners enjoy the character common in older homes but "with the peace of mind that comes with modern construction and (using) environmentally sensitive materials."

Marty Fernandez says there aren't many small homes being built today, so there aren't that many choices. In a day of large homes and typical subdivisions, he says he's fortunate to have found "a small home that's new with today's ways of being efficient."

Efficient homes foster efficient lifestyles, and Peggy Moe appreciates the free time living in a smaller home gives her. "It doesn't take much time to clean this house!" Moe says. "It's just a simpler way of life." Fernandez agrees, adding that cottage living is just responsible living.

But at only 975 square feet per home, Chapin says building only what you need isn't for everyone. "It's for people who want a balance between community and privacy, who want a sense of neighborhood," he says. And to a growing number of homeowners, that's everything you need.

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