Team Valencia’s Solar Decathlon SML System House Adapts to a Growing Family’s Needs

Competing on home soil, it is important that the Spanish put in a good showing at this year's <a href="http://www.sdeurope.org/" target="_blank">European Solar Decathlon</a> in Madrid. With four houses on site, hopes are high that all these teams will score big and represent their respective universities well. One house spectacular house on display comes from design students from <a href="http://www.uchceu.es/">Universidad Cardenal Herrera (CEU) in Valencia</a>. The team has submitted an updated version of their SML System House, which first unveiled at the Solar Decathlon 2010. As noted in our <a href="http://inhabitat.com/universidad-cardenal-herreras-sml-system-house-is-a-solar-decathlon-entry-that-adapts-to-its-occupants/">preview article</a>, the improved design takes the prefabricated construction idea and successfully integrates modular building with a quality finish to create a sustainable structure that can be re-customized and expanded to meet changing needs.

Valencia is being well represented at the <a href="http://www.sdeurope.org/?lang=en" target="_blank">European Solar Decathlon</a> -- their team designed and constructed the <a href="http://solardecathlon.uch.ceu.es/" target="_blank">SML House</a>, improving on their original design from <a href="http://sdeurope.uch.ceu.es/2012/2012/09/15/memory-sml-house-2010/" target="_blank">2010</a>. The intention with the SML system <em>(small /</em> <em>medium / large)</em>, is that the basic modular construct can be configured to meet your needs, and can easily be changed as and when your circumstances do.

The version on display at the Villa Solar is considered the "medium" configuration. Three of the modular blocks seamlessly link to form a good size house, and as a consequence this rather pleasant shaded patio area to the side of the house. The individual modules are designed so that a fourth or fifth could connect at a later date if a family requires an extension.

From this image we can see what an individual module looks like. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-guide-to-prefab-the-history-of-the-mobile-home-and-its-influence-on-the-modern-prefab/" target="_blank">prefabricated design</a> is simple but elegant at the same time. As the basic module remains the same in this design, they can reduce costs and complication for large scale building work by producing large numbers of the pre-cut timbers at their off-site workshop.

The kitchen is also accessable from here, and the slatted timber design creates a beautiful veranda for residents to enjoy on sunny days.

The frame is made of treated pine and the timber is cut to precise lengths prior to arriving on site -- this makes the construction simpler and less wasteful.

The entrance to the house is also well sheltered, and the walkway incorporates a prototype toughened solar panel in the floor that you could tread on without causing damage. LED lights that, when combined with a light sensor, come on in the dark, subtly lighting the way into the house.

Entering the house we encountered a light filled living area, tastefully decorated. The bespoke seating was created by art and design students from the <a href="http://www.uchceu.es/" target="_blank">University</a> utilizing natural fibers and the ceramic tiles help create a pleasant living environment.

The dining area is placed next to a patio window, providing views and allowing natural light to enter the building.

The quality crafted furniture has been chosen carefully, with the choice of natural materials predominant with the furniture as with the exterior.

The hi-tech part of the house is simply demonstrated on site. W-fi runs inside the building, and the residents have easy access to information regarding energy usage and room temperatures. This also acts as a control panel for various parts of the building such as the lighting, various kitchen appliances and home entertainment systems.

The kitchen is located opposite the dining area and is fully equipped with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/how-to-turn-your-inefficient-items-into-green-machines/" target="_blank">energy efficient appliances</a>. All electricity requirements in the house are provided for via the PV array on the rooftop.

Continuing through the house we find the bedroom with a view on to the patio and located next to the shower and bathroom. The room is adequately sized with a warm and welcoming feel. <p>Leaving the bedroom via the patio doors, we find ourselves back in the porch area.

This part of the house creates an ideal spot for outdoor eating, and the slatted timbers create an undeniably impressive aesthetic appeal.