Home buyers looking for less space, more green.(ecotalk)(Brief article)

A new survey reveals that people are opting for less space when constructing their homes and instead are focusing on more energy-efficient options. The report, issued by the American Institute of Architects' second-quarter Home Design Trend Survey, said that two-thirds of this year's responders report clients wanting greener alternatives for their homes, such as tankless water heaters, double- or triple-glazed windows and sustainable flooring products, such as bamboo or cork. And what a difference a year of soaring energy prices can make: In the 2008 survey, respondents reported clients wanting more features that facilitate energy efficiency. In fact, 68 percent of respondents said more customers want extra insulation in the attic, compared to 56 percent a year ago. Last year, 23 percent of respondents said game rooms were an increasingly popular home buyer request, while only 8 percent of survey's respondents report that this year.

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