Sustainable dwelling

Abstract

A dwelling comprises walls defining an interior living space and each having an exterior-facing insulation layer against an interior-facing concrete layer. The exterior-facing insulation layer is a component of a single-sided concrete form used to form the one or more walls. An alternative energy source provides heat energy into the living space. The walls are operable to store and re-release heat energy into the living space.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A method of providing a dwelling, comprising:
 creating a single-sided insulated concrete wall form by holding one or more sheets in a fixed spaced relationship with an exterior-facing insulation layer;   pouring concrete into the wall form as a concrete layer thereby to form at least one dwelling wall defining an interior living space, the concrete layer facing the interior living space; and   coupling an alternative energy source to the living space thereby to provide heating or cooling energy into the living space.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the creating comprises holding the one or more sheets in a fixed spaced relationship with the exterior-facing insulation layer using ties. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the sheets are plywood sheets. 
   
   
       17 . The method of claim I  4 , further comprising diverting excess energy from the alternative energy source to an electrical power grid. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the altemative energy source comprises a solar-powered generator. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alternative energy source comprises a geothermal pump. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alternative energy source comprises a ground-air heat exchanger. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the alternative energy source comprises a wind-powered generator. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing an energy efficient appliance. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing a tankless water heater. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising providing a radiant floor heater. 
   
   
       25 . The dwelling of  claim 14 , wherein the insulation layer is made of expanded polystyrene.