Zero House A Totally Self Sustaining House Concept

This concept is called the Zero House, and it was developed by a couple of architects who attended the Yale School of Architecture. 

Image © Specht Harpman Architects

 

Image © Specht Harpman Architects

Together, they have a firm called Specht Harpman Architects, with offices in New York City, and Austin, Texas.  The concept is extensively and remarkably well thought-out.  Absolutely no external hookups for electricity, water supply, or waste removal are required.  

It collects and stores up to 2,700 gallons of rainwater in a series of cisterns near the top so that the fixtures below can all be gravity fed, thus requiring no pumps. The water is filtered, then sterilized with UV light.  A 7,000 watt photovoltaic panel system on the roof feed electrons to an extensive battery bank that may not only meet, but potentially exceed the home's electrical requirements. Perhaps there would be a little left over to charge-up the electric car?  

It sleeps four adults and comes equipped with two king sized mattresses.  LED lighting, a Sun-Mar low flush porcelain toilet with remote composting chamber, tons of clever storage, a large flat panel TV, built-in furniture, a full-sized refrigerator, microwave oven, and an induction cook-top in the kitchen are all part of the package. 

Image © Specht Harpman Architects

The designers claim unheard of thermal resistance in the walls, ceilings, and floors of R-58.  Windows are triple glazed, and the whole structure is said to be able to withstand winds of up to 140 MPH.  It is equipped with a super efficient, dual zoned heating and cooling system.  They say that with the battery bank fully charged, the house can run for a week with no sun.

The main drawback to this house, at least from my perspective, is the price.  At $350,000.00, not including land, I know I won't be buying one soon.  On the other hand, one could argue that it is a bargain given that it should not have any utility bills, ever! 

Also, you don't need to figure in the cost of a foundation or site work, because the entire structure is supported on four stainless steel helical posts that allow it to be be erected in a single day in up to five feet of water or on slopes of up to 35 degrees. 


I see this as an idea whose time has come.  Perhaps mass production will eventually allow the cost to drop into a more affordable range.

Living Area
Image © Specht Harpman Architects

Kitchen / Dining Area
Image © Specht Harpman Architects

First Floor Plan
Image © Specht Harpman Architects

Second Floor Plan
Image © Specht Harpman Architects

Section View
Image © Specht Harpman Architects

You can learn much more about this concept by visiting:

zerohouse.net

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Categories: a, Concept, house, Self, Sustaining, Totally, Zero

The Nest Home Net Zero Prefab Home by Missouri S T

Net-Zero Prefab Home

Three shipping containers were used by Missouri University of Science and Technology students for construction net zero buildings that have reasonable prices and they are safe. A bird’s nest became an inspiration for choosing the shape of the Nest Home, for building of which recycled materials were used. There are also several sustainable systems, such as efficient lighting, a hydroponic garden and grey water reuse. Solar panels provide the house with enough energy for all needed aims and an electric vehicle. During Solar Decathlon 2015 international competition this project was created. Solar Decathlon challenges student teams to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

The Nest Home was constructed for a growing family. The house includes private and common spaces, but the living space can be enlarged with the help of containers that can be added to the Nest Home. There are reused materials, from which made everything in house. For example, the wood siding is made from refurbished shipping pallets, the carpeting is made from reused fishing nets and insulation is made from recycled denim batting.

For powering the house and an electric vehicle there are 24 photovoltaic panels. Each panel contains a micro-inverter for transforming direct current to alternating current, and a centralized inverter is not required. The optimal temperatures in the house maintains by automated windows that support the HVAC system. There are also automated lightning for saving energy and sensors for detecting the empty house. Three hydroponic gardens provide the owners with fresh vegetables and herbs. The greywater reclamation helps to provide irrigation for the bathroom and the gardens. So, the water consumption of the house is reduced up to 25 percent.

Design: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Year: 2015
Photos by Mike Chino

Categories: by, Home, Missouri, Nest, Net, prefab, S, T, The, Zero

The Nest Home Net Zero Prefab Home by Missouri S T

Net-Zero Prefab Home

Three shipping containers were used by Missouri University of Science and Technology students for construction net zero buildings that have reasonable prices and they are safe. A bird’s nest became an inspiration for choosing the shape of the Nest Home, for building of which recycled materials were used. There are also several sustainable systems, such as efficient lighting, a hydroponic garden and grey water reuse. Solar panels provide the house with enough energy for all needed aims and an electric vehicle. During Solar Decathlon 2015 international competition this project was created. Solar Decathlon challenges student teams to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

The Nest Home was constructed for a growing family. The house includes private and common spaces, but the living space can be enlarged with the help of containers that can be added to the Nest Home. There are reused materials, from which made everything in house. For example, the wood siding is made from refurbished shipping pallets, the carpeting is made from reused fishing nets and insulation is made from recycled denim batting.

For powering the house and an electric vehicle there are 24 photovoltaic panels. Each panel contains a micro-inverter for transforming direct current to alternating current, and a centralized inverter is not required. The optimal temperatures in the house maintains by automated windows that support the HVAC system. There are also automated lightning for saving energy and sensors for detecting the empty house. Three hydroponic gardens provide the owners with fresh vegetables and herbs. The greywater reclamation helps to provide irrigation for the bathroom and the gardens. So, the water consumption of the house is reduced up to 25 percent.

Design: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Year: 2015
Photos by Mike Chino

Categories: by, Home, missouri, Nest, Net, Prefab, S, T, The, Zero