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Super-Efficient MED in Italy House Takes the Lead at the 2012 Solar Decathlon Europe
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Tafline Laylin
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Architecture,Homes,News,Solar |
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MED in Italy is a clever play on words that refers to the fact that the home was made in Italy, but it also refers to the Mediterranean climate around which the home was designed. In order to be able to use wood as the main construction material and still maintain high energy performance, the team from Rome added wall layers that can be filled with heavy materials with good thermal mass once the home is installed.
In addition to catering to the typical Mediterranean lifestyle (think leisurely drinks on the terrace), the central courtyard acts as a buffer zone between the protective shield and the remaining home. Rainwater is collected underneath the deck to maintain the numerous plants in this verdant space, which contributes to water conservation.
Inside the home has a bohemian feel. This is amplified by the colorful choice of decor and a giant fish painted on the wall, which elongates the compact space. And finally, the rooftop photovoltaic panels generate rouhgly 9.330 kWh of energy per year, nearly double what is necessary, while tubes of thermal sand store leftover energy that is used to heat the house overnight. Keep up the good work MED in Italy!
+ MED in Italy
+ Solar Decathlon Europe Coverage on Inhabitat
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At press time, Rome’s super efficient MED in Italy house was in first place at the 2012 Solar Decathlon Europe competition, leading the Para Eco-House by a couple of points. Of course, this can change on a near hourly basis, but the Italian group’s to a
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Rome’s MED in Italy is currently in the lead at the 2012 Solar Decathlon competition in Europe.
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The protective shield makes the home look rather unremarkable on the outside
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But the shell contributes to the home’s extraordinary energy efficiency
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This home produces almost double as much energy as it needs
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An interior courtyard acts as a buffer zone and caters to the typical Mediterranean family that loves outdoor leisure time
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This cute sunflower light is powered by a mini solar panel
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Rainwater is harvested under the deck to irrigate all of the plants
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This courtyard also contributes to a pleasant microclimate
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Inside the home is full of gentle daylighting
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All energy efficient appliances bolster the home’s performance
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The decor creates a bohemian ambience
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Minimally furnished, the home nonetheless has everything a small family/single couple might need
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Protective walls are filled with local materials that have high thermal mass
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A matter of taste, the fish on the wall actually elongates the space mitigating any potential claustrophobia
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This prefabricated home is very easy to assemble and disassemble. MED in Italy, as a result, was among the teams that received 5 bonus points for completing their project on time.
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The plumbing is designed to conserve precious water resources
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The modern Mediterranean bedroom includes a small study and spills out onto the central courtyard
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The neutral materials contribute to a feeling of wellness
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All of the living spaces are arranged linearly
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Excess solar energy is stored in tubes inside that warm the house overnight
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