Tiny Home, Big Savings

The Orange House is a tiny, sustainable home prototype.

(Vagavond)

In 2012, Americans spent to keep their lights, TVs and refrigerators running, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration that number will rise.

The mounting cost of energy is motivating some Americans to seek out more sustainable ways to live, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and solar panels to trading in big homes —and big mortgages —for tiny, eco-friendly houses. The Orange House by Vagavond wraps tons of eco-friendly features into , so here's five reasons why living in a house like this could change how you see the world. (NEXT)

5. A Sofa So Natural, You Could Almost Eat It (Almost)

The sofa inside the Orange House is made of natural materials including horse hair, wool, hemp and veggie fiber.

(Vagavond)

This built-in sofa is made from natural fibers and is way less-toxic than traditional furniture, which into our homes and bodies the Natural Resources Defense Council explains. The hardwood frame is hand-crafted, kiln-dried and held together with non-toxic glue. The rest of the sofa is made from hemp, flax, burlap, eco-wool, horse hair and jute, a type of veggie fiber. (NEXT)

4. Sheep's Wool Insulation

The Orange House is insulated by sheep's wool, a material that has kept humans warm for centuries.

(Vagavond)

Traditionally, fiberglass plays a large role in insulating our homes. But, as the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors explains, "are not, at present, fully understood or agreed upon, but it is generally accepted that, in certain situations, it has the potential to cause physical harm."But we've been using sheep's wool to keep ourselves warm for years, and that's exactly the purpose here. (NEXT)

3. Charred Wood Exterior

The exterior is made from charred wood, which tends to be more weather-resistant and pest-resistant.

(Vagavond)

The siding on the Orange House is made from charred cedar that has undergone Yakisugi, a once used to strengthen wood by charring it, then finishing it with natural oil. Builders say Yakisugi against everything from pests to fire extreme weather. (NEXT)

2. Cook With Alcohol

The kitchen includes a stove that burns alcohol.

(Vagavond)

"But I already have a glass of wine while I prepare dinner," you say? This is a bit different. This Swedish-designed Origo stainless steel oven, originally made for marine use, burns alcohol instead of propane. Advocates say alcohol stoves beat traditional ones not only because they burn cleaner than propane, but the stoves also don't swallow electricity like traditional ranges. (NEXT)

1. Solar Ready

The Orange House runs on alternative fuels of the owner's choice, from solar power to human-powered applicances.

(Vagavond)

If you're considering living off the grid in a tiny house, it's safe to assume you're giving up your energy-chugging appliances like the big HDTV and fancy fridge. The appliances installed in this sustainable house are either , which means you can easily use a small solar generator or solar panels to glean the energy you need.

You can learn more about the designers and the Orange House on their .

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