Below we present two examples of building strategies. Their shared features are minimal energy consumption together with real comfort for residents.
Passive house

„Schiestlhaus" – first high-alpine passive house (source: Michael Schmid; http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schiestlhaus_Jul2007.jpg#/media/File:Schiestlhaus_Jul2007.jpg)
There are two main objectives in building a passive house:
- The building should be constructed in such a way that a highly efficient building envelope results, and energy consumption is covered with renewable sources as far as possible, at maximum cost efficiency.
- The building should offer residents real comfort in the home.
The following passive-house components form the basis for this:
- Building envelope with high-grade insulation
- Windows with high-grade triple glazing and insulated frames. Larger window openings in the south façade, smaller windows facing east and west, and very small windows facing north (or none at all)
- Overshadowing windows to protect against overheating in summer
- Minimizing/eliminating thermal bridges
- Airtight building envelope
- Ventilation system with heat recovery
- The heating system in a passive house can be a biomass stove or a heat pump
- The annual heating energy requirement must not exceed 15 kWh/m²a
- Total primary energy input must not exceed 120 kWh/m²a

Passive house with a supply air/extract air system with heat recovery (source: Passivhaus Institut; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Passive_house_scheme_1.svg, adapted)