The most important first step in achieving energy efficiency is to reduce one’s energy load. This means siting correctly, building smaller, super insulating and using energy efficient equipment, appliances and lighting. We employed all these principles in this new house and then added Solar PV and Hot water systems. The owners had educated themselves on the concepts from the Not So Big House, and we micromanaged the floor plans to accommodate a program of 4 children (shared rooms), 3 visiting aging parents (mixed use spaces), home office, and multipurpose family room with dining.