Adam...
Jim Korman wrote:
> 2x10 outside walls with expanded foam insulation

Insulation would be key, Solar gain can be iffy -don't know your weather 
pattern specifically  but when I installed a skylight on my first home I 
quickly realized how much I was affected by proximity to a "great lake".


> Real storm windows - They're a little hassle but I'm replacing
> my "modern" storms with the old wood frame ones.

Not sure what modern means?  Good thermal panes with argon gas, double 
or tripple lites, low-e coatings. Vinyl or vinyl clad wood frames

Beadwalls are fun and effective.
Whole house fan for when you "almost" need the air on.

Hate bouncy floors, make sure they/you go conservative on those span tables.

Basement "electronics lab" might be OK but have lived with a basement
woodshop- never again.

Groundlevel 3 bay garage with 3 bay space partitioned behind for a 
workshop. Woodwork, welding, drag an engine(or big heavy stationary 
tool) to the heated back shop thru double doors (insulated). Now we're 
talkin',.. woodstove to burn the scaps for heat, PV panels on all  that 
roofspace...mmmmm.


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