I'm talkin a house that can withstand extended sub zero temps as well as high summer temps while using roughly the same energy to heat and cool as an average home maybe even less? No incandescants, just flourescent and LED lighting, possibly self sufficient solar power? What technology would someone use that's not commonly known without getting way out of budget?
My grandfather built a cement house into the side of a hill. The front is all double pane glass and the top and sides is covered in a few feet of dirt. Just the sunlight coming in is enough to keep it above freezing unless it gets below -20' outside for awhile. In the summer it never gets above 60 inside if the shades are pulled and door kept closed. He did all the engineering design work himself and tied the re-bar together so it cost him very little.
If you don't want to live in a tornado proof bomb shelter, Structural Insulated Panels are very efficient at keeping heat in/out. They are a little pricey, but will pay for themselves quickly. Now that metal prices are down, I'd suggest getting larger diameter copper wire than code requires too. It costs a bit more, but is less likely to overload and is much more energy efficient than smaller wire; can pay for itself in as little as 7 months, depending on your electric rates.
