While passive homes often get play because of the technical wizardry involved in constructing such efficient structures, comfort doesn't necessarily have to come at the expense of conforming to rigid environmental standard. The recently completed Right-Sized Home in Oak Park, Illinois, designed by architect Tom Bassett, puts time-tested techniques above making a statement, according to the architect, an example of his belief in a more authentic, durable and efficient style of homebuilding (his manifesto is quite eloquent).
"Bringing together performance and aesthetics so they reinforce each other is a great challenge to complete in an elegant manner," says the architect.