One of the more notable features in the Museum of Science and Industry’s Green + Wired exhibit is an integrated technology system with which you can control everything from climate to lighting and security cameras in the entire house.
According to my tour guide, you could monitor your energy consumption from your bedside, which sounds like a type of neurosis that I never hope to have. (Just knowing that the house is as efficient as it can be is enough for me, thank you.)
A radiant heating system pumps warm water through pipes in the floor, making a barefoot stroll through the house more enjoyable, no doubt. Most of the windows have three panes of glass for better insulation, and many have blinds between those panes. Most of the tiles in the home were made from recycled glass; the green bathroom tiles in the photo above are made from old chardonnay bottles.
mkSolaire is designed as an urban row house, but it’s pretty difficult to picture it in that context. Part of its appeal is the openness of the surrounding land, which also brings more light into the house. In most Chicago neighborhoods it would probably be in close quarters with at least two other buildings.
Michelle Kaufmann’s blog has some more information about mkSolaire.