This "designers' manual" is made during the TIDO-course AR0531 Smart & Bioclimatic Design. Since buildings are one of the main sources of energy consumption, a global adoption of a highly efficient solution would significantly lower energy consumption and environmental impact. The concept of the Passive House was developed, requiring still a bit of energy. Now a new vision is emerging, from a holistic approach. Energy is not the only factor to be taken into consideration: two other prime concerns are the environment and indoor climate. An active house is designed taking into account these factors, and by interacting with the surrounding environment it produces more energy than it consumes.