By GRETCHEN WEGRICH

LIVE OAK — When it comes to building green, there are leaders and there are followers. With the help of local architect Stephanie Barnes-Castro, a Live Oak couple recently became the first in the county to register their home for Residential Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification.

Longtime county residents found inspiration in their unique oceanfront property in the Sunny Cove area.
"We wanted to build a home that was integrated into the coastal environment and also was as energy-efficient as possible," the owner said. "We wanted our home to be beautiful, understated, low-maintenance, energy efficient and be open to the views and coastline of this unique property."

With the help of Barnes-Castro, Keenan Construction Company and interior designer Carla Carstens Design, the owners' dream is becoming a reality.