ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- In a time of dwindling resources and planetary woes, big houses can waste energy as well as space.

When John and Rhonda Griffith built their home on the West River near Annapolis, they wanted the right fit -- something simple and easy to maintain. They ended up with a modern bungalow with wide-open spaces and a wall of windows to enjoy the river view, and at 2,300 square feet, it's not too big.

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The Griffiths neighborhood is dotted with Chesapeake Bay bungalows and cottages.

John Nugent, who designed and built the Griffiths home, said people are starting to understand big houses are a handful. News4's Wendy Rieger reported that such homebuyers aren't so concerned with formal living and dining rooms.

In her Not So Big House books, architect Sarah Susanka promotes the concept that size isn't as important as how you live in your space. She said if you haven't been in a room in the past six months, you don't need it.

And by going small, you're going green.

More Information:

• NotSoBigHouse.com
• NugentDesignBuild.com
• TumbleweedHouses.com
• Oikos.com