Wow, how cool to have your own green-building project to experiment with. Here are a few thoughts in no particular order:
* Plan, plan, plan. What do you need/want to do in or with the structure today or in a few years? Try to plan for possible future changes in your needs for the building.
* Talk to local / regional sustainable architects to see if any are interested in taking on the project for your budget. An
experienced, LEED accredited architect should be able to design a structure that is incredibly efficient, is appropriate for your site and climate, looks good and hopefully avoids the worst mistakes.
* Check out the free / open source
Free Green Home Plans from FreeGreen.com and see what you like.
* Design and build to the Passive House standard -
Passive house - Wikipedia. Can you build a structure that is carbon neutral (or carbon negative!) for operational power and HVAC needs?
* Can you recycle 100% of the existing structure (Habitat ReStore, FreeCycle, reuse parts in the new building, etc.)?
* Use rainwater catchment for use in the structure or the garden.
* Write about the whole process here!
Have fun,
Tim