We’re going green in a big way today, in honor of our Green Living issue, but in a very small space. This now-hip studio apartment in the Eco Modern Flats complex in Fayetteville has so many practical, environmentally friendly aspects that it recently received a  LEED platinum award—and turned an eyesore of a building into a point of civic pride.

As you can see, the 1960s space was in dire need of an update. Knocking down the wall improved the daylighting, pulling up the carpet and working with the existing concrete was a cost-friendly and low-maintenance option, and coats of white no-VOC paint went a long way towards working this miracle. See more befores-and-afters and additional green tips here. And pass along the kudos for a visionary approach to apartment living to the architects at Modus Studio and the team at MC3 Multifamily.