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Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaA bare, seaside landscape may be beautiful to look at, but it also creates several challenges for architects interested in building an energy-efficient home. <a href="http://www.plusarquitectura.info/">Plus Arquitectura</a> couldn't rely on trees or even dunes to block the sun or the wind from entering their Y-house, so they created an interesting Y-shaped roof instead. Shaped this way, the roof not only cantilevers over the base of the house in order to provide shade for its residents, but also facilitates the easy installation of energy-generating solar panels and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainwater_harvesting">rainwater harvesting system</a>. Meanwhile, high performance windows placed strategically permit daylighting without excess radiation. The result is a rustic pine-clad home dotted with round portals of light that ensure constant views of the nearby Tunquén beach in Chile.1
Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaThe Y-House roof is perfect for capturing the sun's rays and rainwater2
Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaHigh performance windows permit daylighting without excess solar gain3
Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaSmall portal windows also enhance the views of the Chilean coast4
Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaVery little irrigation is required since the family left the landscape to the wild5
Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaRadiant floors and 2 double combustion fireplaces keep the house warm during the cooler months6
Y-House by Plus ArquitecturaBuilt in 2009, it's unclear whether this home meets the country's earthquake code, but we certainly hope so.7
