Our source of inspiration for building for super extra mega energy efficiency is the Hudson Passive Project, featured in these stories:

First Green, Passive House in New York State Constructed in Claverak, NY
“An architect committed to sustainable living designs an extremely green home that almost heats itself”
Hudson Valley Magazine, by Lynn Hazlewood

House Tour: Claverack, NY
New York Times, by Bethany Lyttle

Passive House, Aggressive Idea
“The house uses no geothermal power, no wind power, yet it uses 10 percent the energy of a normal house, simply by the way it’s built.”
New York HOUSE magazine, by Vicki Distefano

And more examples of Passive Houses