June 23, 2009 10:00 AM PDT
A chief feature of the RMI house, like that of the Earthships from which Lovins borrowed some of the concepts he used to construct it, is a large greenhouse filled with plants. Here, the greenhouse at the former RMI headquarters is seen from the roof of the building.
The greenhouse allows the south-facing room to fill with heat, maintaining a steady temperature year-round. Inside, it also has flowing water and a lot of cement, as well as dirt and plants, all of which help with the thermal mass that retains heat for six warm months and then releases it during the colder months.
Photo by Daniel Terdiman/CNET
