This abstract briefly outlines the three-pillar-structure of ecology, economy and sociality displayed in the practical approach of designing zero-emission residential buildings. In short, the concept is focused on the intersection of architecture and technology. Furthermore, it describes the holistic point of view which is necessary to further develop a passive house into an active house. Additionally, it is essential to put the terms 'identification', 'ambiance' and 'convenience' into relation with the three-pillar-structure. The goal of this approach would be a self-sustaining home. This autonomy can be observed from the technical side in the electrical standard, green heating systems and water supply and from the architectural side in the inclusive design and sustainable construction method. On the one hand, the abstract highlights the technical aspects and talks about the possibilities of making a building self-sustaining by putting not just PV on the roof, but also by saving its energy in large batteries or using geothermal energy and infrared panels for the heating or small, local wastewater treatment plants. On the other hand, it shows the importance of the architectural design which is able to make a building cheaper in the technical configuration and to convert it into a functional green building. Hence, it is all about smart-design related to intelligent building technologies to reduce the CO2 emissions and to handle our ecological resources with care. The talk is primarily about the integration of these technologies into architectural design-not about the collision or the dualism of these. Eventually, it is not exclusively about zero-emission and lots of insulation. The focus is on the interaction of smart design, using renewable energy resources and low life cycle costs to create and use buildings not just in a green but in a blue way.
