Cannon Beach House, Oregon
(images via: nathan good architects)
Topped with a grassy roof and highly insulated, this open-floor-plan home in Cannon Beach, Oregon produces more energy than it uses thanks to a5.9 kilowatt photovoltaic system. It’s heated using solar hot water heaters, geothermal, energy heat recovery ventilators and a high-efficiency heat pump.
House Like a Museum, Japan
(images via: edward suzuki)
It’s easy to see why architect Edward Suzuki called this Kamakura City home ‘House Like a Museum’; few private homes are given quite this level of attention to detail. The home has a striking central courtyard that acts as a giant skylight for the entire interior. Roof gardens provide natural geothermal insulation.
Haus W, Germany
(images via: kraus schonberg architects)
Sinking the first floor into the ground helps this German home maintain a stable temperature. Made of sustainable timber, Haus W by Kraus Schonberg Architects features windows that look directly out into the garden. Geothermal energy provides efficient heating and cooling.
Thomas Eco House, Washington
(images via: designs nw)
Despite its large size, this four-story home in Washington state requires less heat and cooling than many other homes thanks go geothermal heating, thermal massing, passive solar design and cutting-edge insulation technology. The large windows let in sunlight during the day, releasing heat slowly at night, and on the hottest days, motorized shades keep the interior cool.
ARCA-Regler Facility, Germany
(images via: anin jeromin fitilidis architects)
The unusual ARCA-Regler facility in Germany curves to blend into the landscape, wrapped in a double-skinned facade that helps regulate the temperature inside. The pattern on the skin is 55% opaque, protecting the interior from too much solar gain, and geothermal probes drilled deep underground draw up heat from the top layers of the earth and groundwater.
Truro Vacation Home, Cape Cod
(images via: zeroenergy design)
The transforming Truro House can be closed off into a compact getaway for two, or opened to accommodate a group of seven families. With a geothermal heat pump and a rooftop solar panel system, the Truro House by ZeroEnergy Design requires almost no supplementary power. A battery backup system stores extra energy for those times when the power goes out.

