The Most Energy-Efficient Home in Central Oregon Isn’t What You Think. It’s an ADU!

ADU designed by Ian Burgess

When it comes to building energy-efficient homes in Bend, Redmond, and across Central Oregon, most people think about upgrades like solar panels or high-performance insulation.

Those things absolutely matter, but they’re not the biggest factor.

Size is.

In recognition of Earth Day, we’re highlighting one of the most impactful ways to reduce your environmental footprint:

👉 Building smaller with an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).

American Trend: Bigger Homes, Fewer People

For most of American history, homes were small. And full! In 1790, the average house was just 831 square feet, yet it held about 5–6 people, often across multiple generations. Today, that’s flipped: the average home has grown to over 2,200 square feet, while the typical household has shrunk to just 2–3 people.

So what changed?

As the U.S. grew wealthier, housing shifted from necessity to lifestyle. Post-war prosperity, suburban expansion, and new construction methods made bigger homes more accessible. At the same time, cultural expectations evolved. Privacy, personal space, and amenities became priorities. The “American Dream” expanded from simply owning a home… to owning a larger one.

The result? We’re living in more space than ever before, but with fewer people to share it.

Why Size Matters: The Environmental Impact of Bigger Homes

Bigger homes don’t just mean more space; they mean more consumption at every stage.

More materials are required to build them. More energy is needed to heat and cool them through Central Oregon’s cold winters and hot, dry summers. More land is used, and often more infrastructure is required to support that footprint.

Even when a larger home is built with energy-efficient systems, it still has to overcome the reality of its size. Simply put: the more square footage you have, the more energy it takes to operate.

That’s what makes smaller homes—and especially ADUs—so powerful. By reducing overall size, you’re lowering energy demand from the start. It’s efficiency built into the design, not added on later.

A Shift Back: The Rise of Multigenerational Living

Interestingly, while homes have grown larger over time, we’re starting to see a shift back toward shared living.

ADU Designed by Ian Burgess

More families are choosing multigenerational setups, whether that’s aging parents moving closer, adult children staying longer, or families intentionally creating spaces to live near one another.

From an environmental standpoint, this is great news.

Two or three people living in separate 2,000+ square foot homes use far more resources than the same group living on a shared property with a primary home and an ADU. Whether attached or detached, an ADU allows for privacy and independence while still reducing overall impact.

And the benefits go beyond sustainability:

Built-in support systems for childcare and aging in place
Stronger day-to-day family connection
A more cost-effective alternative to assisted living or separate housing

It’s a lifestyle shift that’s both practical and meaningful.

Small Homes, Strong Communities: Cottage Clusters

ADU Designed by Ian Burgess

Another trend gaining traction is cottage cluster development—small homes grouped together around shared outdoor spaces.

These communities offer the best of both worlds:
✔ Smaller, more efficient homes
✔ A built-in sense of connection and community

Instead of large homes spread far apart, cottage clusters create opportunities for interaction, shared resources, and a lighter environmental footprint overall.

It’s another example of how living smaller doesn’t mean living less—it often means living more connected.

Rethinking “How Much Space Do I Really Need?”

Even if an 800 sq ft ADU isn’t the right fit for you, the bigger idea still holds value.

For decades, the default has been to build as large as possible. But more space isn’t always better.

A thoughtfully designed 1,500 sq ft home can often live better, function better, and cost significantly less to operate than a 3,000 sq ft home with underutilized space.

Smaller homes:

Use less energy
Require fewer materials
Cost less to heat, cool, and maintain

It’s a win for the environment and for your monthly utility bills.

Building Smarter, Whatever the Size

At the end of the day, sustainability isn’t just about how big you build; it’s also about how well you build.

Our on-staff architect, Ian Burgess, is Earth Advantage certified and has designed and built dozens of energy-efficient homes across Oregon. Whether you’re building an ADU, a custom home, or planning a remodel, we can help incorporate smart design strategies that improve efficiency from the ground up.

Because good design doesn’t just reduce environmental impact. It creates homes that are more comfortable, more functional, and more cost-effective to live in over time.