Universidad Cardenal Herrera’s SML System House is a Solar Decathlon Entry that Adapts to its Occupants

Universidad Cardenal Herrera <a href="http://www.uchceu.es/" target="_blank">University CEU</a> in Valencia, Spain is entering Solar Decathlon Europe for the second time, improving on its <a href="http://solardecathlon.uch.ceu.es/" target="_blank">SML <em>(Small/Medium/Large)</em></a> system from 2010. The concept reminds us of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego" target="_blank">Lego</a>, because the house is constructed from fairly simple individual prefabricated blocks, which can be added together and customized over time. Using locally-sourced timber to create the basic frames, a PV array and carefully considered temperature regulation methods, and extremely efficient appliances, the team hopes to create a customizable house that will last a lifetime.

In terms of sustainability, the team have looked at every aspect of materials and resources used in construction and then in the expected life-cycle of the building, taking into account minimising waste via prefabrication, utilising sustainable materials, maximising what can be recycled, reducing construction time and then attempting to reduce every aspect of a traditional houses energy use.

The design entered into this years competition represents the "medium" design, so the students can show both how the original blocks fit together, and how the house could be further extended.

They have worked on an easily replicated design for the individual modules that are prefabricated in their workshop, but aim to show how the interiors can be customised. In this way, the client can play an increased role in the designs for the final building. Each block comes equipped with a solar array, and therefore the electrical output increases as the house grows, thus continuing to match the residents energy requirements.

They have designed a <a href="http://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;sl=auto&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fsdeurope.uch.ceu.es%2F2012%2F2012%2F09%2F03%2Fsmlsystem-bosch-appliances%2F" target="_blank">CAES system <em>(Computer Aided Energy Saving)</em></a>, that assists residents by scheduling when to use the household appliances. For example this includes using the washing machine or dishwasher during the day to run directly from the solar panels, so as not to run off the battery storing electricity required at night time while also making the most of solar heated hot water, thus making a double saving on more conventional systems. They also intend to regulate the LED lighting throughout the house,  providing  the optimal amount of light required at any given time.

A grey-water recycling system will be integrated into the design to make best use of precious resources. By collecting used water from the kitchen and bathroom and filtering this to be re-used for toilet flushing and for watering the garden a further saving is made. The house also utilises passive strategies to regulate room temperature, referred to as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HVAC" target="_blank">HVAC</a> <em>(Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning). </em>The designers have considered strategies including orientation of the building, the use of thermal mass flooring, solar protection and gain as well as natural ventilation.

The <a href="http://www.sdeurope.org/" target="_blank">European Solar Decathlon</a> begins next week and Inhabitat will report from site to see these designs in operation.