This 5,000 sq. ft. Los Altos Hills residence proves that, if you’ve got the vision (and the financial resources), a big home doesn’t have to be an energy hog.  The home was designed by California-based, DSA Architects, who specialize in straw bale construction and energy efficient design.

In keeping with the owner’s desires the home is 100% energy independent.  A 17kw Photovoltaic system provides domestic electricity as well as power for the owner’s two electric cars.  The PV solar array is laminated onto the home’s standing seam metal roofing.

Other green building features:  a living roof covers the home’s barrel vaults and ground-source heat pumps and air-to-water exchangers ensure that heating, cooling, and domestic hot water loads are minimized.