Although the US may be moving backwards in terms of clean energy, countries like Sweden are going full throttle while adding plus-energy homes to their cities. Kjellgren Kaminsky Architecture designed this newly-built apartment complex in Linköping. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also produces enough energy to sell surplus electricity back to the grid.

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Kjellgren Kaminsky, Plus-Energy Houses, Vallastaden energy homes, energy efficiency, net zero energy, solar power, efficient home design, efficient energy, green design, sustainable design, solar panels, green apartments, urban design, sustainable homes,

Sweden’s solar energy tax used to be quite punitive, but the country has thankfully slashed the tax by 98%. As a result, developers and private home owners are embracing solar energy. In fact, the Linköping apartment complex generates more energy than it needs from its large roof-mounted photovoltaic array.

Kjellgren Kaminsky, Plus-Energy Houses, Vallastaden energy homes, energy efficiency, net zero energy, solar power, efficient home design, efficient energy, green design, sustainable design, solar panels, green apartments, urban design, sustainable homes,

Kjellgren Kaminsky, Plus-Energy Houses, Vallastaden energy homes, energy efficiency, net zero energy, solar power, efficient home design, efficient energy, green design, sustainable design, solar panels, green apartments, urban design, sustainable homes,

Related: 8 homes that generate more energy than they consume

As far as design, the architects wanted something that would pay homage to the city’s vernacular. Beautiful brass-colored windows on a white concrete facade give the building a delicate, yet modern aesthetic. On the interior, the units are bright and spacious and come with high ceilings. A community courtyard severs as a gathering place where residendts can discuss their amazingly low energy costs.

+ Kjellgren Kaminsky

Images via Kjellgren Kaminsky

Kjellgren Kaminsky, Plus-Energy Houses, Vallastaden energy homes, energy efficiency, net zero energy, solar power, efficient home design, efficient energy, green design, sustainable design, solar panels, green apartments, urban design, sustainable homes,