A Zero Energy House That Truly Pulls Its Weight

We’re always looking for ways to be more energy conscious, but what if your house already did the legwork for you? This tilted, ecologically savvy model dwelling near Larvik, Norway, actually creates more energy than it consumes—a “plus house,” it’s called. Brought to life by the combined creative genius of the Research Centre on Zero Emission Buildings and design firm Snøhetta, the zero energy house was created as both an exercise in eliminating greenhouse gases emitted by buildings as well as a stage for increasing understanding of “plus houses” and their potential impact.

The house, which has been nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award (or the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture), boasts ample windows for natural light, a natural stone wall which both props the titled structure and stabilizes thermal changes, geothermal wells, a photovoltaic covered roof to generate electricity, and many more jealousy-inducing features.