Green Custom Home Builder in Boise, Idaho

For us, green building has never been a trend, it's been a promise. A promise Ron Hixson made to his granddaughter more than 40 years ago to build homes that respect the environment and leave the world better than we found it.

At EarthCraft Construction, we build in a way that's conscientious about what we put in the house as it relates to reducing toxicity, using renewable resources, and improving energy efficiency. Every custom home is designed and built with environmental performance, occupant health, and long-term value as primary goals.

As Jon puts it: "You can lay in bed at night and feel good about the fact that you did something good for the environment. You used fewer materials, you're using less energy, and you have fewer carbon emissions. That's a good night's sleep."

What Does "Green Building" Actually Mean?

Green building falls on a spectrum that's ever-evolving. There's no concrete set of rules, only a set of concepts that, when stacked together, create a construction model that reduces the negative side effects of building while enhancing the positive ones.

We merge tried-and-true practices with innovative new technologies, resulting in homes that are energy-efficient, durable, healthy, and beautiful.

By utilizing natural building components alongside modern building materials, EarthCraft Construction builds homes to Energy Star and LEED Gold certification while continuing to meet US Green Building Council and Department of Energy standards.

Our Approach to Green Custom Homes

We aren't clipboard contractors. All of our houses are completely custom and tailored to the site they're built on. We never build the same house twice.

Our design-build process starts with understanding you, how you want to live, what matters to you, what your environmental values are. Then we analyze your property to understand its unique opportunities and constraints. The home that emerges is a synthesis of your needs and the site's natural characteristics.

The Elements of Our Green Homes

Energy Efficiency

We design homes that use 50-90% less energy than conventional construction through passive solar orientation, exceptional insulation (R-45 walls in our straw bale homes), air sealing, and high-performance windows. Many of our homes maintain themselves for $30-80/month in utilities.

Healthy Indoor Environment

We spend 54 years of our lives inside our homes. That's why we use low-VOC paints and coatings, natural materials like straw bales and wood, and ensure excellent indoor air quality through proper ventilation and material selection.

Renewable & Sustainable Materials

Where possible, we use materials that regenerate annually (straw), can be sourced locally (Idaho wheat straw, regional timber), and have low embodied energy. Every material choice is evaluated for its environmental impact and lifecycle performance.

Water Efficiency

High-efficiency fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems when appropriate, and native landscaping reduce water consumption while maintaining comfort and usability.

Site Preservation

We design homes to work with the natural landscape rather than against it. Minimal grading, preservation of existing vegetation, and careful stormwater management protect the site's ecological value.

Durability & Longevity

The greenest building is one that lasts. We build homes designed to stand for generations, using quality materials and craftsmanship that won't need replacement in 10-20 years.

LEED Certification & Beyond

EarthCraft Construction built Idaho's first-ever LEED-certified single-family home; a straw bale residence that earned LEED Gold certification and the 2010 Mayor's Design Excellence Award.

We can guide you through LEED certification if that's important to you, but we also recognize that certifications are just one measure of a home's environmental performance. Some of our best-performing homes don't carry a certification but outperform certified homes in actual energy use and occupant health.

Green Building Cost

One of the biggest myths about green building is that it's expensive. The truth is more nuanced.

As Green Building & Design Magazine notes: "The key to making green homes accessible to all budgets is partnering with a design-build firm that is aware of sustainable practices but is also willing to work with clients on limited budgets."

We offer both long-term and short-term cost-saving solutions to make your green home a reality. Our cost-plus transparent pricing means you know exactly what things cost, no hidden markups, no surprises.

You can have it all, and you don't have to spend a fortune. If you and your team are willing to be disciplined and rigorous and adopt a design-build paradigm to control costs while addressing the vital issues of health and sustainability, it's amazing what can be done.

Why Choose EarthCraft Construction for Your Green Home?

40+ Years of Green Building Experience
We've been building green since before it had a name. Ron Hixson founded Idaho's first green building company, and that expertise flows through every project we undertake.

True Design-Build Process
You work directly with Jon Clark from concept through completion. Single-point responsibility means one person accountable for your project's success.

Award-Winning Portfolio
Our projects have earned the Boise Mayor's Design Excellence Award, Best in Show at the Parade of Homes, and multiple LEED Gold certifications.

Comprehensive Expertise
We handle everything: architectural design, engineering, permitting, construction, and project management. Vision to completion, all under one roof.

Proven Performance
Our homes don't just meet standards on paper—they perform in real-world conditions. Utility bills, indoor air quality measurements, and client testimonials prove these strategies work.

Green Building Questions Answered

Do green homes cost more to build?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. High-performance features (better insulation, better windows) may cost 5-10% more upfront, but energy savings typically recover these costs within 5-10 years. Some green strategies (passive solar orientation, proper design) cost nothing extra.

How much can I save on utilities?

Our clients typically see 50-90% reductions in energy costs compared to conventional homes. We've built homes that maintain themselves for as little as $30/month.

Will my home look different because it's green?

Only if you want it to. Green homes can look like any architectural style. The performance is in the walls, windows, and systems, not necessarily visible from the outside.

Can you build green with conventional framing?

Yes. While we specialize in straw bale, we also build high-performance homes with conventional framing when that better fits your needs.

What about resale value?

Green homes typically command premium resale values due to lower operating costs, better indoor air quality, and growing market demand for sustainable homes.

Ready to Build Your Green Custom Home?

Whether you're looking for straw bale construction, passive solar design, LEED certification, or simply a healthy, efficient custom home that aligns with your values, we can help.

EarthCraft Construction, Inc | Treasure Valley, Idaho

Serving Boise, Oregon & Surrounding Areas (208) 391-3754 | [email protected]

3618 East Newby St, Nampa, ID 83687

Let's Talk

EarthCraft Construction, Inc | Treasure Valley, Idaho

Serving Boise, Oregon & Surrounding Areas (208) 391-3754 | [email protected]

1415 South Owyhee St, Boise, ID 83705

Licensed and insured in Idaho RCE-27334 and Oregon CCB-186023