Passive house blends into the woodland
A passive house, recently built in Russia, uses a living roof and blends passive design with high tech to save energy
Spotted: Using designs that draw on sunshine, shade, insulation and ventilation, passive houses maintain a comfortable temperature while using just a fraction of the energy of a traditional home. Given the push for sustainability, as well as rising energy prices, it's no wonder that passive building methods are rising in popu-larity. Snegiri Architects, based in Saint Petersburg, Russia, has recently finished work on a passive residence called Hill House, which demonstrates the utility of passive techniques in a forest environment.