My thoughts on homes

Personally, I would like to see a combination of an Earthship and the Simondale house.  Earthships can be built in colder climates.  However, the windows will have to be doubled paned, as to prevent heat loss.  Also I do not know if the skylight would work in this climate.  Everyone I have heard about has leaked.

I would like to see small bedrooms, enough to hold a bed, a closet, and a dresser.  Then larger community rooms.  This would help to bring a sense of community to the home.  As the family would spend more time together rather then in there own rooms.  Also a bedroom should be used for sleeping.  If one uses it for other things then it's harder to get a good nights rest.

Also, one big advantage of a Earthship is there are virtually no mainteence costs.  This would help to defray the increased labor.  However, perhaps neighors could get together and help with the construction.  This too would aid in the community building.

Also I know that plants can be grown in the winter not as fast.  This is usually done in a greenhouse.  This should help supply fresh fruits and vegetables to the household along with dehydrated fruits and vegetables saved from the main harvest.