"... why are efficient houses ugly as sin? ..." I can think of a number of reasons - kit form means (some) pre-construction - simpler shapes and consistency

"... why are efficient houses ugly as sin? ..." I can think of a number of reasons - kit form means (some) pre-construction - simpler shapes and consistency means easier and faster construction - form follows function Would I buy one? If I did the building has no verandas so I'd cook in summer. No sloped roof (increasing surface area slightly) for water collection, solar heating & power. High roof means lots of heating in winter but great in summer. Not much on the materials (insulation, windows) are listed so I can't tell how thermally efficient the building or what footprint it leaves. One thing I notice is the building does not integrate well into the surroundings. Geography does play a part as well and coming from 34 degree southern latitude with mild winters and hot summers. I ascribe my architectural appreciation to watching Kevin McClouds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_McCloud http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_McCloud ) UK, Ch4 show, Grand Design ( http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/grand-designs/houses/index_archive.html http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/grand-designs/houses/ind... ) every Thursday night on the tube. If you ever get the chance to watch the Grand Design series, do so. In each episode, McCloud dissects the process of people constructing/re-constructing buildings into their own houses. Asking questions on how to improve construction. Critiquing the building process such as construction, financing, management and execution. The analogy to constructing software applications is obvious.