The building council is considered to be the premier organization in Western North Carolian whose mission is to promote environmentally sustainable and health&bsp; conscious building practices.

The home in Walnut Creek Preserve is the first home in Polk County to ever be selected and is the first home submitted by Hickory Nut Construction, the builder of the house.

The home features insulated concrete forms exterior walls (ICF&squo;s), open cell foam and insulated panels ceilings, Energy Star windows by Peachtree, a 20 SEER heat pump with energy recovery ventilation to maximize indoor air quality, and a conditioned crawl space.

Barbara Strickland, owner and developer of Walnut Creek Preserve, has a long history of dedication to preserving the natural resources.

&dquo;We are honored and excited to have this home featured in the tour,&dquo; says Strickland. &dquo;It underscores the Preserve&squo;s mission to minimize the impact and footprint of the homes in the development. The farm house design is also in keeping with the character of the Preserve.&dquo;

Walnut Creek Preserve is located on a 2,100-acre tract in northern Polk County. The development was conceived so that the planned home sites surround a core of more than 1,000 acres of forest permanently protected by conservation easement, with more than 25 miles of wood-lined trails, all freely accessible by deeded easement to the home owners and their guests for hiking and riding.

The Preserve&squo;s 2,100 acres of forested and pasture land shelter a tremendous variety of indigenous plant life, including several rare and one threatened species, as well as a wealth of wild animal life. To assure their survival, only 25 wooded and equestrian home sites of 10 to 35 acres each will be offered for sale. &bsp;

The development is located off Grassy Knob Road. Directional signs for the Green Home Tour will be up Saturday morning. Donations will be accpeted at the house to support the education efforts of the Western North Carolina Green Building Council.