Sustainable house?

Question

whatare somegood architectural tips on building an ecologically sustainable house??

Answer 1

Go underground, at least mostly.   The south facing part can be windows to allow light to enter.   Very little need for heat or AC if its under a couple feet of dirt.

Answer 2

check this out

http://www.greenhomeguide.com/

Answer 3

http://www.solardecathlon.org/

Check out some of these ideas.  

I was so impressed by these houses.  They built them from the ground up.  Most of them built everything that was in the house (not including, obviously, electronics, etc like the oven).

Answer 4

Use low energy apliances, install solar panels on your roof, insulate your house and your windows, use renewable materials (like cork or bamboo on your floors).  Also, use low VOC paint (most big brands carry it).  Find ways to reuse things you already have, also. That way it won't end up in a landfill.

Answer 5

A house from the ground up?

Face most of the windows south (in north hemisphere) so you can make most use of passive heating and cooling. If you are in  a hot zone a widder porch may be required to block summer sun and let in winter. Deciduous plants infront of windows can also help this effect.

Double glazing is a  good insulator.

As is thick walls, and insulation in roof of course,, Mud brick or strawbale houses are fine examples.