There’s still debate within the architecture community about the necessity of building a near 4000 square-foot house, and if by definition such a structure can really be “green.”

But in this case they’ll have to take it up with the USGBC who has awarded the 3800 square-foot Kaplin Thompson house in Arlington, Virginia, with a LEED Platinum rating, the first in Virginia.

True, those who disagree with LEED may cite that a house that large uses too much raw materials to be singled out for such an award. On the other hand the estimated $300 a year energy bill is impressive for a house of any size.

Other features of the Kaplin Thompson house include a green roof, geothermal HVAC system, solar panels that feed the grid, and low-e argon windows to stop energy loss. Read Post in Inhabitat.