Passive house design is the greenest of green architecture. Passive houses - well insulated, virtually air-tight buildings that require little energy for heating or cooling - can decrease the overall energy consumption of buildings by an astounding 75 percent, making them not only an attractive choice for prospective home owners but also the right choice for a sustainable future. Moskovitz showcases eighteen of the most compelling recent passive houses around the world, from Japan to upstate New York. This is both an inspiring sourcebook for designers and prospective home owners, as well as a useful tool for architects, students, and builders alike