This contemporary sustainable house enjoys a temperate environment due to the implementation of the main principles of passive design: Capturing North sunlight with adequate screening Allowing cross ventilation through the whole house Installing double glazing with low U value Increasing the insulation in all external and internal walls We were able to maximize the use solar panels by avoiding a pitch roof. These solar panels generate eight kilowatts, which cater for most of the energy needs of the house. We also installed a 20,000-litre rainwater tank under the front garden in order to irrigate the garden and provide water for the toilets. Photo Credit : Georges Chedid