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American practice MoSA Architects have designed and built the VOLKsHouse, a prototype for an affordable, net-zero energy home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The house has many positive features compared to a regular house. It costs 6.5% less per square feet to build based on RSMeans cost modeling and uses 90% less energy than a conventional home of similar size. An integrated solar thermal system fulfills the 100% need of heating and hot water. The energy required for lighting and cooking is generated by a small PV solar system. The 1717 square feet house has 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, a two-car garage and a rooftop patio.
Photography: Amadeus Leitner
