Set in a cherry orchard in the south of France, all the walls the house slide open.  14 choices in the "tissue" of the architecture render it's high energy efficiency even being glass.

It is not just one factor, but all the choices in concert that make it work.  A future project is to add a photovoltaic cloud to make energy needs and expenditures a net 0.

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1. White roof reflects 93% sunlight  

2. Pyrogel® insulation under roof + polyurethane sides  

3. Orientation living east/west to avoid southern exposure  

4. 75 year old cherry trees summer shade  

5. Deciduous cherry trees allow sun winter  

5. Tall oak trees south shade  

6. Double pane glass  

7. Solar glass reflects 73% sun's rays  

8. Argon gas between panes  

9. Cooling by natural convection when windows open  

10. Insulation air from crawl space underneath house  

11. Outside west rail for exterior summer curtains  

12. Heat pump + radiant floor  

13. Reversible radiant floor cooling 

14. Fireplace with heat recuperation