Located on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska, the Haida House stands well insulated and protected from high winds, heavy rain and low temperatures associated with its northern marine climate. Eight inches of rigid insulation installed to the outside of the stud walls and 12 inches of rigid insulation installed over top of the roof deck protect the wood structure while limiting thermal bridging. Wood studs installed perpendicular to a second roof not only provide the ventilation space for the roof, but also extend to create the house’s overhangs. Also serving dual purposes is the rigid insulation between floor joists, which completes the thermal enclosure and provides an insulated bed for the radiant floor heating system. A high efficiency water heater located under the stair landing provides both heat and hot water for the house. A small heat recovery ventilator (HRV) installed in the attic completes the high performance mechanical system by providing outside air to the interior. As designed, the Haida House uses 40% less energy than a home built to code in 2006.