Modern issues concerning residential architecture and urban space focus mainly on the problems of energy efficiency and the environmental impact of construction. However, an equally important aspect of the building environment is its quality both energy (technical), and aesthetic, social. The required quality of the built environment is subject to constant changes legal, social, cultural, functional or technical. The impact of the individual factors in the nearest space, the building environment and the structure of the building on energy, aesthetic quality was investigated. The analysis was conducted on selected examples of objects of modern Western European architecture. Especially attention was paid to objects with energy-saving technologies applied, as well as their aesthetics and incorporation in the environment. Despite the use of energy-efficient technologies, the facilities have maintained a high level of quality, adaptation to the environment and aesthetics, as well as the use of natural materials and technologies based on natural principles.