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R We selected only the most efficient appliances and only those that are reallyrequired to minimize the scale of the photo voltaic system required.R Weve combined the photo voltaic system with wind power to provide a moreconsistent supply of renewable energy.Construction MaterialsR Logs from the lot provided some of the posts and interior façade.R Locally made concrete blocks were used requiring little timber for forming.R Parallam PSL wood engineered wood products were used for much of the postand beam construction.R The north walls were insulated with natural fiber or better known as straw bales.R Locally made Inline windows and doors were used.R Other insulation requirements were met with the use of Roxul which is partiallycomposed of lava rock and waste steel slag materials.R Sand from a hole dug locally was used for much of the grading and concrete.The orientation of the house was optimized for solar gain using several techniquesincluding:1) building the two story portion of the structure on the south side tomaximize potential solar gain without overheating in the summer usingsimple awnings2) orienting the south windows due south with optimal shading for thesummer and minimal for the winter3) extending the solar gain through an open concept design and internalwindows to maximize solar penetration for heat and light4) the layout of the kitchen and breakfast table on the south east tonaturally gain the morning sun and the layout of the living room, workrooms, and dining area on the south west to get the maximum daily sun andthe evening sunset on the south and so uth west sides5) using local straw bales on the north wall with minimal windows anddoors to optimize insulation and wind barrier from the north271