I am interested in getting started with a new home design.  I want to build a netzero home and am looking for advice on where to get started.  Are there known "bests"?  Structural Insulated Panels for example.  I like the idea of geothermal, passive solar orientation, likely a walk out daylight basement, love warm floors.  We are probably looking at a multi generational home with my wife and I in the walk out and our daughter's family upstairs.  We would like to have a general idea to get started looking for a suitable piece of property. 

Notes.....
Geo doesn't have any payback at all....I have built two houses with it and running the houses on natural gas is 85% of the cost to run. For AC use minisplits or some other air to air unit...
The more you insulate the more efficient the house is the less energy you need thus the floors wont feel that warm....mine aren't cold but aren't warm....R30 walls and R90 roof in Michigan
ICF is the way to go sip has way to many problems.....
Netzero solution just put in more solar....then more if you don't make it....solar solar solar...even on a 1950's house...everyone can be netzero these days...

Good Luck and enjoy the adventure.

The location of your home may limit your options of building systems? Some money can be saved by using a system that is close by. For example, ICFs, SIPs, SCIPs and a few others are close enough in the southeast to reduce freight charges.