Solar Decathlon. SCI-Arc/Caltech

This Compact Hyper Insulated Prototype (CHIP) takes the unique approach of putting the insulation on the outside then wrapping the house in vinyl. This cuts building costs and is more effective. Waste heat from the a/c heats the water. The house is situated so cool air can come in from the lower windows in the front and push hot air out the higher windows in the back.