Tongji University’s Bamboo Para Ecohouse Embraces Daoist and Western Philosophies at the Solar Decathlon

The sun was shining this weekend in Madrid as the doors of the <a href="http://www.sdeurope.org/" target="_blank">European Solar Decathlon</a> opened to the public, welcoming spectators to explore the structure-filled Villa Solar. One of the most eye-catching houses currently on site is China's <a href="http://solardecathlon2012.tongji.edu.cn/" target="_blank">Para-Ecohouse</a>, which was built by students of Tongji University. Prior to the competition, the team promised <a href="http://inhabitat.com/east-meets-west-in-tongji-universitys-para-eco-house-design-for-the-european-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">a design that would incorporate Daoist theory</a>, built upon active and passive systems that emulate "balance" -- one of the core principles taught in the classic Chinese school of thought. With their design, the team also pays respect to western philosophy, highlighting individuality and personal autonomy with a strict off-grid energy system.

The Chinese entry at the <a href="http://www.sdeurope.org/" target="_blank">European Solar Decathlon</a> from students at Tongji University draws in the crowds with its beautiful bamboo outer shell.

Combining structural strength and impressive aesthetics, this house is a quality example of prefabricated design.

The joints easily snap together once the individual parts of the frame have been prefabricated off site. What results is an impressive building block that makes the construction much less time consuming -- and indeed creates an attractive and eye-catching feature for the house.

The rooftop array is supplemented by small solar panels integrated into the mortise and tenon joints that make up the striking structural frame. These run outside LED lights that come on as it gets dark, creating an impressive night-time visage.

These bamboo panels are a fine example of sustainable architecture; bamboo itself is a renewable resource that regenerates much quicker than traditional timber.

Located on the wall is the control panel for the house. The simple touchscreen interface is easy to use and understand, allowing the residents to monitor their own energy usage and control and regulate room temperature, the lighting and the home entertainment system.

On entering the Para Ecohouse, one finds a beautifully created dining / living area equipped with a home entertainment system and comfortable seating. The inner hub has triple-glazed windows that assist with maintaining energy efficiency in regards to heating the house, but also allows plenty of natural light in.

The outer shell creates an interesting backdrop at the dining table, providing shade and privacy during the day, and when lit up at night, creating a beautiful lantern-like effect through the window. This living space provides a relaxing space for the residents, and due to constraints with space, doubles as a sitting room and a dining area.

<p>The house is basically split into two areas, with the kitchen units built into the frame of the building. Very efficient appliances have been chosen, and the kitchen remains sparse but functional -- this aids with the prefabrication of the building. Directly behind this unit is the shower and toilet, so the plumbing is kept as simple as possible. A grey-water recycling system is located directly below this central unit with the intention of reducing water usage.

On one of the sides of the house is this small balcony and patio area that leads into the bedroom. This creates the potential to frame pleasant view and another family space.

The Tongji design incorporates beautiful aesthetics using an updated ancient building technique that creates a striking and strong structure with ample space.

From an elevated position, we got to see the house from above, highlighting the differing orientations of the photovoltaic solar panels on the roof. The house gets all its electrical energy from this PV array. They've been angled to maximize solar coverage throughout the day.

The rear of the house leads to a wheelchair friendly ramp, and a second patio area that provides another relaxing environment that's sheltered by the outer frame.