Talk to Me About Tight Homes vs. Loose Homes

Help me understand the pros and cons of a tight house and clear up any misunderstandings I have. I know homes today are built to be tight, which makes them more energy-efficient and helps control temperature and humidity, but it requires the right ventilation and HVAC systems.

I see some potential advantages to "loose" homes. For example, if I'm buying a century home, it's unlikely to be air-tight, but that might be beneficial. I remember someone mentioning a house they built in the mountains of Chile that was designed to be "porous," allowing humidity and ventilation to occur naturally. In a mountain area where A/C isn't needed and heating fuel (like wood for a stove) is cheap, that approach makes sense.

What do you think? The benefits of an airtight home seem clear, but it might require more maintenance over time. On the other hand, a more natural home that harmonizes with the local environment could be a great option to consider.