passiv haus

This is the Passiv Haus in Darmstadt, Deutschland.

"The concept of the passive house, pioneered in this city of 140,000 outside Frankfurt, approaches the challenge from a different angle. Using ultrathick insulation and complex doors and windows, the architect engineers a home encased in an airtight shell, so that barely any heat escapes and barely any cold seeps in. That means a passive house can be warmed not only by the sun, but also by the heat from appliances and even from occupants’ bodies."

It only costs 5-7% more to build. Currently being attempted in Berkeley.

From the NY Times.