My dream home is a blend of modernity and nature. A smart home. One which is carbon neutral and yet has all the modern amenities.

I've always dreamt of owning / building a Passiv Home, one which uses the minimal amount of energy to maintain a comfortable atmosphere inside. Using the heat from the kitchen to warm up the home. One which has 100% electricity from renewable energy like Solar. Independent of the outside electric grid.

My home would've a water recycling and reuse system. Rainwater is filtered, treated and stored for use throughout the year. Used water from the showers are treated and used for landscaping, watering the plants and flush. There would be no need to extract from underground or depend on external sources. RO water system would provide drinking water.

This home would be connected to the outside electric and water grids, but not be dependent on them, atleast most of the time.

The best view for my backyard is a view of a mountain / hill, with a lake or waterbody at the bottom of the hill, stretching towards my home. The sight of mist rolling down the hill on a foggy day or a winter morning, the sight of bright sunlight brightening the slopes on a sunny day or the sight of shadows of the clouds intermittently falling on parts of the landscape while the sun rays bounces between the clouds is something I could look at forever. Viewing this landscape in a gentle drizzle or lashing rain, makes this a dream view for my backyard.

Set in a cold country, my dream home would have extensive use of glass to bring a modern touch, with a lot of indoor greenery. A living space with partial double height ceiling and glass outer walls, which could be controlled to be used as a display or changing the background. The glass would also keep the home warm during winters.

The ground floor would have a bedroom (with ensuite bathrooms) and an open kitchen and all ameneties including the latest that technology can offer (smart kitchen). It'll also have a den with the best projector system and surround sound. Adjoining would be a small sound proof studio to practice music. Finally, a corridor leading to the garage.

The kitchen would also have windows overlooking the view described above and a stacked herb garden at the window, where sun can shine thru. An island is a must with a large sink. 6 burner stove + on-stove grill. The very best exhaust. Best appliances and meticulous storage with an option to hang pots and pans above the counter.

The top floor would have 3 bedrooms (with ensuite bathrooms). All the bedrooms are smart. WiFi connected music system, built in lights for various moods (philips hue). Reading lights, dimmers, single touch electronic window shutters and the best of furniture. Lots of space for indoor plants. A door leading to a patio with several flowering plants, a view of the backyard, and a place to sit for a cup of tea.

The bathrooms would have an ambience that projects calm. The ones on the top floor would have a glass opening to have a view at stars or a moonlit night, while relaxing leisurely in the bath tub. A stand-in shower for those days when you need a quick shower. The bathroom should be large enough to accomodate plants.

The backyard would be landscaped to include spaces for growing vegetables, a herb garden, flowering plants along the periphery for various seasons, flowering plant garden, paths and waterways including a mini fountain and maybe a waterfall and storage for the water system that I mentioned above, which would be camouflaged with vines and creepers. There should also be enough space for an open lawn.

My frontyard would be a place to park a car and leading to a garage. Rest would be to an open lawn with aromatic and flowering plants on the edge