The means of transportation are changing and so is the way we get energy. The next step has to be how to build the places we live in, much cheaper and more efficient.
The world offers more and more challenges to the human race, which tries to change its way of life to be more respectful of the planet. This is beginning to be a reality in the means of transport and energy, but more is needed.
The traditional construction methods they are also giving way, little by little, to new ways of creating homes that are much simpler and more efficient. And the houses that we bring you today are a clear example of this.
Passive and self-sufficient house
Passive houses are not a novelty, since in recent years they have gained popularity and presence in the real estate market.
Roughly, A passive house is one that has been conceived with the aim of reducing energy demand by at least 90%. This type of housing is based on five general principles:
- Low transmittance thermal insulation
- Tightness to prevent heat loss
- Elimination of thermal bridges
- Triple glazed windows and doors
- Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery
All this allows the house to be practically self-sufficient As far as air conditioning is concerned, even avoiding the need for ventilation, which undoubtedly generates a huge loss or gain of heat depending on the time of year.
All of this, in itself, represents a great advance in terms of housing, but Street Monkey Architects has wanted to take this concept a little further in Örebro, Sweden, where it has built an urbanization of 10 prefabricated passive houses provided with solar energy and batteries of storage that make them self-sufficient.
This is possible not only thanks to the intervention of solar energy, but also to the concept of passive design that makes affordable housing stock generate as much energy as they consume every year. These zero energy houses have great insulation, being almost hermetic and complementing all this with ventilation systems that retain as much heat as possible.
Making the most of the sun
These homes are powered almost entirely by solar panels on their rooftops, with batteries storing unused energy. This can be used during days of low production or can also be sold to the general electricity grid. Also, the energy consumption of buildings is continuously measured to adjust power needs.
Each two-story, 1,500-square-foot structure is comprised of six factory-built modules that arrived on site with finished interiors. Once assembled, the facades were connected to each other to soften the moments of transition between the houses.
Four houses are oriented from east to west, while six have a north-south orientation. So, all roofs are covered with solar panels facing the path of the sun.
Although the development is designed as a series of townhouses, the subtle variations give each residence its own character. Some have white plaster facades, while the north-south row is finished in dark, silver steel.
The wooden slats attached to each house create a visual rhythm, an element that Street Monkey Architects he hopes it will provide a sense of individuality to future owners.
The interiors of the houses are open and ventilated. The ground floor kitchen opens to the dining room, which leads to the living area. There, two sets of glass doors give access to a terrace, expanding the available living space. Steel stairs suspended by vertical cables allow light to filter down to the ground floor. The upper floor houses three bedrooms, a living room and a large bathroom.
All designed with efficiency, sustainability and comfort in mind.
Font: Dwell.com
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Photos: Street Monkey Architects