Designed by Gino Mazzaferro, this house and shop/office is being built under the design parameters of a “Passive House” a super- efficient approach to house construction that was been developed in Germany over the last 40 years. The envelope is designed to require no more than 15 kilowatt-hours (kWh)/square meter (4750 BTU/SF) annually for heating with an infiltration rate of no more than .6 air changes per hour @ 50 pascals. Additionally, energy efficient appliances and lighting are required throughout. Using an air-source heat pump with a COP of no less than 2, at freezing ambient temperatures, the annual heating load is projected to be less than 3000 kWh or at current electric rates, $660. By contrast, a typical new home of this size built to EnergyStar specifications, could cost $3,000 or more annually to heat and cool. A 4.8 kilowatt solar electric system will produce about 6000 kWh annually, furnishing ample power to heat and cool the house, as well as provide for the electrical needs. A solar thermal system for domestic hot water is also being installed. The construction should be completed this spring. The first real test of the performance will occur during the 2009-2010 heating season.