For a house to be GOOD for the environment and not simply less bad, it is no longer enough just for it to be solidly built, it must be energy and water efficient, free of toxic materials, and be self-monitoring and regulating. The challenge for architects is to ensure that delight and comfort are not sacrificed to efficiency.

LEAFHouse's principles and goals are:

• Open and flexible interior space.
• A connection to the landscape, visually and experientially,
• Deriving inspiration from nature, and even using biological components (plants) as part of the house's mechanical systems.
• Building with durable, non-toxic, recycled and recyclable materials.
• Energy-efficiency of the house and its systems.
• Modularity of house components and of the house as a component in building communities