In recent years, luxury home design has shifted toward sustainable, eco-friendly living solutions that meet homeowners’ growing interest in green architecture, energy efficiency, and environmentally conscious construction. This modern approach to design proves that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive—they can coexist beautifully in today’s eco-conscious luxury homes.

High-end homeowners are no longer only seeking aesthetics and indulgence—they’re prioritizing properties that align with long-term environmental responsibility. As green living becomes a global priority, luxury buyers are using their resources to invest in smart home technologies, sustainable building materials, and low-impact construction methods. Choosing to live sustainably isn’t just about helping the planet—it’s also a strategic lifestyle upgrade that boosts health, comfort, and future resale value. Today’s eco-minded homeowner sees sustainability not as a trend, but as a future-ready, high-value investment.

Bartholemew + Partners, a Palm Beach architecture firm, practices architecture for the greater good, with sustainability at the core of their design philosophy. Their approach emphasizes the preservation of existing infrastructure and adaptive reuse, aiming to protect the land while minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable new construction is approached as an interconnected process, deeply rooted in the vernacular of a place—its climate, resources, and materiality.

With an increasing focus on sustainability, custom home builders are crafting more homes that feature environmentally conscious design choices without compromising luxury or beauty, and in many cases enhance the functionality of the home. This issue’s cover home, an eco-friendly new build in Ocean Ridge is built by Steve Petrucci with Bella Homes, who is committed to eco-friendly and sustainable building practices.

Watlee Construction in Hobe Sound is another leader in eco-conscious design and sustainable building practices. Their forward-thinking approach blends high-end craftsmanship with a commitment to environmental responsibility by employing several key sustainable practices. Every home is equipped with advanced smart home technology that optimizes lighting, temperature, water usage, and security, saving energy without sacrificing comfort. Watlee prioritizes the use of recycled and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, including reclaimed wood flooring, formaldehyde-free cabinetry and low-emission paints to reduce environmental impact and promote healthier living spaces. Clients also have the option to incorporate solar panels, battery storage, and net-zero configurations into their custom designs. Additionally, these builders ensure efficient envelope construction by meticulously sealing and insulating each home to reduce HVAC loads and significantly lower energy bills. Pear Design Build begins every high-end remodel with energy calculations to design the most efficient way to keep the home cool in Florida’s climate. Their go-to combination is spray foam insulation in the attic for a seamless, thermal barrier, paired with low-E impact windows.

Homeowners considering a renovation or update have more opportunities than ever to integrate sustainability into their homes. Often, this starts with selecting materials that have minimal environmental impact, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, locally sourced stone, and low to zero-VOC paints. These choices not only reduce the home’s ecological footprint but also contribute to a healthier living environment by improving indoor air quality and limiting exposure to toxic chemicals.

Zero-VOC paints help create healthier interiors by improving air quality and eliminating the toxic fumes that can cause headaches, dizziness, or respiratory irritation, making them a superior choice for all. They’re also kinder to the planet, reducing air pollution and supporting sustainable living, all while offering easy water-based cleanup and a much lighter scent than traditional paints. Jamie Roddy with Eden LA Interiors shares that her clients love having the option to choose low- or zero-VOC paints for their homes, and she is especially fond of Ecos Paints. They can match any shade from favorite go-to brands, but in a formula that’s completely free of harmful volatile organic compounds.

Unlike many engineered materials, stainless-steel and copper can be recycled repeatedly without losing any of its quality, making them excellent sustainable and environmentally conscious choices. Their use in hot tubs and spas is not only a smart choice, but a stylish one as well. Diamond Pools and Spas’ “The Monarch” spa, is crafted from recycled metal with 65% – 80% recycled content, and the copper version (shown) uses 95% to 99% recycled material.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, Diamond Pools and Spas advocates for chlorine-free water sanitation, minimizing toxic discharge into local waste systems. They recommend a two-part sanitation method: ultraviolet sterilization and hydrogen peroxide oxidation. The hydrogen peroxide naturally breaks down into the water and oxygen after use, making sure no harmful ingredients seep into our environment.

Sustainability isn’t just about building materials and systems; its also gaining traction in décor and everyday home products.

Jamie Roddy with EdenLA Interiors embraces sustainability through thoughtful choices that merge aesthetics with longevity. By steering clear of “fast furniture” or trendy pieces of dubious quality, she prioritizes well-crafted, timeless pieces that reduce waste and stand the test of time.

NAPA Home and Garden exemplifies this shift with items like their Bistro Vase, crafted from recycled glass, an eco-friendly material that uses less energy to produce and helps reduce landfill waste, all while offering timeless visual appeal. Another standout piece is their ABACA Teardrop Vase, woven from abaca, a strong and renewable natural leaf fiber. Reinforced with an iron frame for lasting shape and structure, this handcrafted basket is both stylish and sustainable.

Homebuyers don’t have to compromise on aesthetics either. Pom Pom at Home creates sustainable bedding by using 100% natural linen as their primary fiber, which is more sustainable, and is free of harmful substances and synthetics.

Today’s sustainable luxury homes are more than prestige. They reflect responsibility, forward-thinking, and modernity. Ecofriendly homes have a higher resale value, as buyers prioritize green homes and features.1 Adding sustainable features or building a sustainable home is a way for luxury buyers to “future-proof” their properties, ensuring that they remain relevant and desirable to the ever-changing world and market.

1Source: Energy Star