Mom and dad helped the architects design this home so that it truly met the needs of a family with three children ages 4 and younger.

Maybe the best mudroom ever, this space features coat pegs and cubbies for each child, a landing spot for groceries complete with phone chargers, a closet and a full bathroom.

Underground geothermal heating and cooling taps into the earth's consistent, 55-degree temperature, offering huge savings on energy costs, says builder Jason Werr.

The Emerald-certified home in Wheaton is not just energy smart, it's functional as well. This kitchen was designed with a busy young family in mind.

Jason Werr's new highly energy efficient home in Wheaton is on track to earn the state of Illinois' first Emerald rating for a single family home from the National Association of Home Builders.