Four Andalusian Universities Collaborate to Create Versatile, Prefab Housing for Solar Decathlon Europe

<a href="http://andaluciateam.org/wp/el-equipo/4-universidades/" target="_blank">Universities across Andalusia</a> have joined forces to create the <a href="http://andaluciateam.org/wp/la-casa/" target="_blank">Patio 2.12</a> house, a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-decathlon" target="_blank">Solar Decathlon Europe</a> entry that combines modern concepts and efficiency with more traditional Mediterranean aesthetics. The modular buildings have a shaded courtyard at their heart, they can be configured in alternative ways to create many different designs to suit various client needs, and they are prefabricated off-site to minimize construction time and wasted materials. The team has utilized timber from responsibly managed forests and, inspired by a classic Andalusian design for temperature control, will line the individual modules with ceramics. Read on for more details on this <a href="http://sdeurope.org">Solar Decathlon</a> entry.

The final design submitted to competition will link four different modules to the central patio which is enclosed in glass and a faux-vine effect. This is designed to give a natural feel while creating shade from the hot sun during the day, while allowing enough natural light into the building.

The exterior walls contain an air chamber enclosed with ceramics, replicating a local "water jug" idea in order to aid in self-regulating room temperature. The intention is that ceramics will transpire in hot weather, creating a drip irrigation effect throughout the building that aids cooling, but when the temperature drops, so the ceramics become colder and the irrigation halts. They intend to link this irrigation system to grey-water recyling from the house. The water will be filtered through sand and selected plants such as a reed bed outside the house to help remove impurities before being re-used in the house.

To provide the homes expected electrical requirements, each of the four modules have been fitted with a PV-array. They intend to slope the four ceilings at different angles, to maximise solar capture throughout the day. The PV system will be fitted with a battery located within the building that holds its charge and thus should allay any fears about night-time usage. The students think the solar panels should create three times as much electricity as a normal family home would actually use so the surplus would be available to sell back to the grid in countries where such programmes are in place.

The Andalusian team have also considered the impact of their building, not only in terms of construction, but also in terms of removal. The structure has been designed to not require foundations as it sits on a reinforced plinth. The prefabricated construction can just as easily be dismantled as built, and once the plinth has been removed, the house will leave no footprint.

In terms of market potential this creates opportunites for the design to be utilised in temporary structures (ie work projects / disaster relief) as well as for housing.

The Solar Decathlon design is intended as a family home, and the four modules have been furnished accordingly with the expected creature comforts completed to a high standard and, as such, hopes are high for a Spanish success in the upcoming event in Madrid.