When it comes to water, LivingHomes' mantra is this: "Reduce, Reclaim, Reuse." To support our three R's, we design homes that capture or reuse all the water you need for your landscaping. That's an important consideration given that in the US, landscaping consumes 15% of all water used. In your LivingHome, your garden will grow with grey and reclaimed water. (Unless you planted a jungle and live in the desert, in which case we'll cover only one or two of your plants).

To reduce water consumption indoors, we install highly-efficient water fixtures (Kohler low-flow toilets, faucettes and Bricor shower heads) with very low GPM (gallons per minute) rates. And we suggest that you don't keep the water running when you're brushing your teeth.

For your outdoor irrigation needs, ideally you would take no city water, only using captured or reused water for irrigation. Although we don't currently provide landscape design/planting services, if you are interested, we work with you to secure providers who can implement the four steps we used to achieve Zero Water in the first LivingHome.

Step 1
For areas with low rainfall, we reduce demand by planting native, drought-tolerant species.

Step 2
Water from baths and sinks — called "grey water" — is reclaimed and reused. Filtering grey water through sun and soil helps control pollution when your home reuses it to water the plants in your garden and on your LivingRoof.

Step 3
Rainwater is captured and reclaimed by collecting it in a 3500 gallon cistern for later use. Reharvesting water in this manner prevents it from running off untreated, polluting nearby bodies of water (the ocean, river, or lakes). So in addition to reducing, reclaiming and reusing water, your home helps keep your local swimming and surfing spots clean.

Step 4
When plants need water, LivingHomes utilizes an efficient, subterranean irrigation system that waters directly to the roots of plants, rather than dripping down from the surface. Unlike systems that turn on with a timer (watering the plants rain or shine), LivingHomes uses humidity sensing controls and weather telemetry from the Internet to know exactly when it is appropriate to water. For example, if a storm is coming in a few hours, the home will refrain from irrigating, even if the plant roots are dry. Plants get water when they need it; and you don't have to worry about over-watering.