Micro homes in Japan? Sounds like interest rates will be going up in America, if you see the connection.
Meanwhile, I read a BGH article about six months ago about some guy who built a 50,000 sq. ft. home. Using energy efficient smart designs, his total electric bill was ridiculously small. I don't recall the figure, but it was something like 1,500KwH, if memory serves.
link: Bootstrapping Andrew Sullivan
