The owners approached LGA with the challenge of building a modern and sustainable yet very affordable home in the Catskill Region of New York. The house sits within the gently sloped site and has beautiful south facing views of nearby mountains. Many construction options (SIPs, ICF panel, and modular methods) are currently being explored to meet the high “green” goals and strict budget. Passive energy (thermal mass, natural ventilation) and alternative source power (photovoltaic cells, solar thermal, etc.) helped generate the house’s form and site orientation. While the 1,600 SF size of the house is essential for environmental and economical efficiency, the open and flexible main space with its direct relationship to the exterior allows for quality family and group events.