One of the first issues is the orientation of the house. Solar panels do better on the south side. You should research whether your roof needs to support more weight. You will also do well to consider all aspects of solar building --- you can find books available in e-format for this. Go to Amazon and read reviews carefully. Things like roof overhang, kinds of windows, etc, can make a big difference in cooling your house (I'm assuming in India, heating isn't a big issue). For the solar panels, what's available where you are is a starting point. I will note that in sunny countries, like Turkey and Tunisia, I see a lot of solar hot water on roofs, but not so many solar panels.

It's a great way to collect photos of images that you like for your house using the "Ideabook" system. If you haven't designed the house yet, you can share these photos with your architect or designer to give them ideas of what you like. If you are at the point of decorating you can put together an ideabook for each room in the house. You can even ask you family members for their input by having them do their own ideabook. If you have a specific question, you can post it in the "discussions" and you will get opinions and answers from all over the world. It's a great way to design your space.

Hi Ashok, Leh being extreme cold region will need planning and structure a bit different than our regular home. Factors such as temperature all year round, the extent to which it has snowfall or maximum and minimum temperature drop, the topography of your proposed location, wind speed, these are among many factors that will play role in while planning of your ideal home. With advanced engineering methods and technology, we have many methods to build. Double wall will ensure enough warmth inside the house. -Thanks, -Neelam -Lines and Profile

Dear Priya, If you could share a sketch of the room layout, you would get many suggestions easily. Questions like: Where is the entrance and the other doors and windows in the room have to be answered. The type of staircase and no.of steps will depend upon the height of the room and the furniture plans, etc.