This July marks the 12th annual National Log Homes Open House Month. NAHB Log and Timber Homes Council members and builders across the nation observe the event throughout the month with home tours, log-raising demonstrations, mill tours, seminars and more to educate consumers on this unique building system.

It’s no secret that log homes are popular — just look at the number of log buildings that are among AirBnB’s most wish-listed rentals. But the natural beauty of these wooden structures is only one of the many benefits of living in a log home. Log home living is also energy efficient, thanks to the tight building envelope that the stacked log systems create, which in turn can lower utility bills.

“The building material itself makes log homes inherently green,” said Log and Timber Homes Council Chairman Chris Stitcher of Golden Eagle Log & Timber Homes. “National Log Homes Open House Month lets people interested in the log home lifestyle see for themselves how these homes not only look but how they feel on the inside, including the ability to regulate temperatures and prevent air leakage.”

Visit loghomes.org, produced by NAHB’s Log and Timber Homes Council, to learn more about the efficiency of log and timber homes and check out the calendar of events for upcoming open houses.