Gorgeous Apartment Building Above the Polar Circle Uses Zero External Heating

This gorgeous 3-storey apartment building by <a href="http://steinsvikarkitektkontor.blogspot.com/">Steinsvik Arkitektkontor AS</a> lies above the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_circle">polar circle</a> - yet it requires zero external heating. This extraordinary feat was achieved with a combination of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecodesign">passive ecological design</a> and cutting-edge heat recovery technology, demonstrating that it is possible to build structures with a small carbon footprint in even the most extreme environments. Although Norway experiences complete darkness for two months, for the rest of the year the apartments are powered using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy">solar energy</a>.

Steinsvik Arkitektkontor has demonstrate that it's possible to build green buildings even in harsh environments

Norway lies above the polar circle and experiences 2 dark months a year, yet these apartments require zero external heating

Solar collectors on the south side provide energy for 10 months out of the year

Geothermal energy powers the home for the rest of the year

The north facing side is almost completely covered to protect against harsh wind

High performance wool insulation helps to keep the homes warm.