The house we have found is a rather cool 1950s custom contemporary, it was built a as the builders personal residence and was top of the line when built. It is in major need of updating and I will chronicle that process here. I have been fascinated by solar technology since grade school. I am not a rabid environmentalist, but I see a great potential in saving money and natural resources by just building intelligently and insulating properly. I intend to add some solar technology to the house.
Current ideas are a sunspace in back, solar pool heating and possible solar water heating.
We will be upgrading the insulation of the house as part of the updating process. Being a computer geek I will probably make some attempts at home automation, especially relating to control of any active systems. I am also considering PV panels for driving the heating system and to charge some type of whole house UPS system.