This House Provides Sustainable Energy in a Half-Shell

Solaleya's Pearl house takes on the counter-intuitive task of maximizing its energy efficiency by limiting the amount of solar energy it absorbs throughout the year. This tactic allows the structure to delegate energy-intensive tasks to the elements.

The house has integrated photovoltaic panels on the white steel roof to collect sunlight and supply energy, but it also incorporates "passive solar" energy-saving principles, like always facing the front bay windows toward the equator, which provides natural light and warmth while also protecting the house from polar wind drafts. Additionally, the roof is insulated with a layer of air and cork beads, external walls are made of 12 inch-thick compressed straw, and rainwater is collected at the rear of the house. [Solaleya via Inhabitat]