Net Zero Energy Buildings: A Case study of Passive Energy Strategies on Jacobs House The objective of this thesis is to investigate ways of making NetZero Energy Buildings affordable utilizing key passive strategies. The thesis began with literature review, history of net zero, and a study of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian concept. A case study was conducted to examine Jacobs house, a Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This included a critical analysis of five passive strategies namely, orientation, massing, insulation, ventilation and natural lighting. This thesis proves that the passive ideas behind net zero energy are not new. The Jacobs house is a “showcase” on how to approach the research of net zero house using passive strategies and addresses affordability. Jacobs house demonstrates active political, social and economic project just as net zero project.

Keywords: Net Zero Energy Building; Usonian house; Passive strategies; sustainability; organic architecture.