First EarthCraft home celebrates 10 years

Home and Garden

The first EarthCraft home ever built was built in Buckhead in 1999. We catch up with Samuel Matchett, the owner of the green-friendly designed house.

Atlanta attorney Samuel Matchett became the first EarthCraft homeowner in 1999. The pioneering green program is 10 years old and it started in Atlanta.

Matchett, standing in the oversized master bedroom, was initially drawn to the EarthCraft home back in 1999 because of their "classical look."

Matchett likes the natural light from the numerous insulated windows and the flow to the back courtyard.

Matchett says high ceilings and spacious rooms were part of the reasons why he bought the home.

Matchett shows off a large drum, used as a coffee table in the third floor bonus room of the EarthCraft home.

EarthCraft homes are tested to be airtight, and Matchett saved an estimated $774 on his energy bill during the first year compared to a conventional home built at the same time, according to Southface.

While Matchett is not an outspoken environmentalist, he says, "I was proud to be the first person to purchase an EarthCraft house."

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Atlanta attorney Samuel Matchett became the first EarthCraft homeowner in 1999. The pioneering green program is 10 years old and it started in Atlanta.

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