Energy efficient home...?

Question

If you were to build a new home in the Midwest and money were not an object in the construction cost, but you wanted the maintain the lowest utility cost. What things would you incorporate in your home design? How will the exterior walls be constructed and insulated? What type of heating and cooling systems would you use?

Answer 1

Build with block walls, they retain temperature so cool in summer and warm in winter.

I would use solar power throughout. If you use enough solar cells for most of the time you could use grid power when cloudy. so everything would be electric.

Answer 2

I built a home in Ohio used all 2 x6 studs with 6 inch installation also added a moisture barrier we used hot water heat using a used oil heater the outside was all brick windows placed on east an west side were large double pain all water came from a well our total untiles were around 100 a month

Answer 3

I would use Rastra block construction and SIP panels for the roof. Low e-windows and insulated blinds. For heat I would do geothermal and solar or wind to offset electric consumption. For water I would install a rain catchment tank to water trees and landscaping.

Answer 4

I'd have a cow in every room which was being fed on baked beans every second so that his farting would keep the house warm. Also, you could go to the sun and take a chunk off for your attic, which would insulate the whole house.
Man, insulation RULES!