The exterior environment of a home can be modified and comfort increased when the green architect designs around existing trees and vegetation, plantings, prevailing breezes, windbreaks, and the soil itself. Garages, overhangs, site orientation, and even the surrounding homes modify the building envelope. particularly in the case of low-rise buildings. They must be considered to design a high-performing home. 

1. A roof overhang modifies the amount of rain on the wall below. It is a microclimate modifier for the vertical portion of the building enclosure.  

2. An attached garage is not conditioned indoor space nor does it experience outdoor conditions. Rather it incorporates both the exterior wall of the house and the garage wall, with the space between containing the car and other objects stored in the garage as an integral part of the enclosure.  

3. In conditioned room (s) over a garage or carport,  the garage ceiling would be considered part of the building envelope and changes in that ceiling will modify the envelope.

4. Ivy growing on a home wall is part of the envelope. It has significant impact on moisture.

5. Adjacent buildings are also modifiers. Think of the side-neighbor's home which shades your west windows.

Other components such as lights and stoves plus space contents also modify the interior environment and thus the comfort of the user.