Some interesting new homes have popped up on the Omaha market as part of a neighborhood the architect describes as "Eco-modern."

The homes are not what you'd see in a typical subdivision. Architect Randy Brown says the design of these homes starts outside.

"The lawns are the natural grasses. It's not the mowed lawns, but the natural grasses. We kept all the trees on the site. We're building the homes around the trees," Brown said.

For these homes near Standing Bear Nature Preserve, the view is all-important. That emphasis begins in front with two big picture windows that look through the house to the preserve.

Inside, the kitchen blends seamlessly into the dining room and living room, which flow into the patio, separated only by a sheet of glass.

"There's recycled material in the houses," Brown said. "The floors are all bamboo on the main floor, and the downstairs is all polished concrete."

The homes also save energy with radiant heat and extra insulation in the walls and ceiling. The roof also offers some modern features.

"If people want to go the extra distance, we can put solar panels on the roof that will actually almost eliminate the need for OPPD electrical service," Brown said.

The eco-modern homes are for sale. They are priced between $320 and $390 thousand. Plans call for several more to be built in the neighborhood.