What turned out to be "unexpectedly" good?

Kaho, the pavement is really cool - was it very difficult to lay?

Yes, I suppose. A team of Romanians did it. They were rather average in craftsmanship but incredibly hardworking. They fetched and built the stones without any grumbling or complaining.

With us:

1) Passive cooling geothermal energy.... Didn't think the effect was that great after all.

2) Controlled residential ventilation... What a huge comfort gain compared to our previous house... Never without it again! You really notice it when you stay overnight in houses without controlled ventilation, the difference is enormous.