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- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichSourcing data and information on <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-building" target="_blank">green building</a> systems and technologies is a bit harder than running computer simulations and analyzing test tubes. To get good data, you have to build it and test it under real-world conditions - which is why researchers in Switzerland are creating a modular plug and play building to test out sustainable systems, materials, and technologies. <a href="http://www.empa.ch/plugin/template/empa/1320/*/---/l=2" target="_blank">NEST</a> will be a dynamic demonstration platform where researchers can insert and test various components building modules, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/renewable-energy" target="_blank">renewable energy systems</a> and much more. Construction on the backbone of the project is set to begin soon, and the Swiss researchers hope to begin testing out their theories by 2015.1
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichNEST is a collective research project by the <a href="http://www.ethz.ch/about/organisation/ethdomain/index_EN">ETH Domain</a> that is supported by <a href="http://www.empa.ch/" target="_blank">Empa</a>, Eawag, <a href="http://www.zwarts.jansma.nl/" target="_blank">ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects</a>, <a href="http://supermanoeuvre.com/" target="_blank">Supermanoeuvre</a> <a href="http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch" target="_blank">ETH Zurich</a>, and <a href="http://www.epfl.ch/">EPF Lausanne</a>.NEST is a collective research project of the ETH Domain and supported by <a href="http://www.empa.ch/" target="_blank">Empa</a>, Eawag, <a href="http://www.zwarts.jansma.nl/" target="_blank">ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects</a>, <a href="http://supermanoeuvre.com/" target="_blank">Supermanoeuvre</a> <a href="http://www.block.arch.ethz.ch" target="_blank">ETH Zurich</a>, EPF Lausanne.2
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichThe project consists of a central backbone and a basic grid that can accommodate about 50 living and office <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/modular-housing/" target="_blank">modules</a> that can be periodically changed out.3
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichThe multi-story project will be built out of lightweight and efficient materials to reduce resource consumption while maximizing building potential and strength.4
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichThe plug and play capabilities will allow novel materials, new components and innovative systems to be tested out under real-world conditions.5
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichResearchers can analyze the systems while tweaking settings to improve efficiency and then build brand new modules when systems are optimized.6
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichThe building will also have the ability to support <a href="http://inhabitat.com/energy/">renewable energy</a> systems to generate power for the project and validate efficiencies.7
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichWhen the infrastructure is completed in 2015, the project will be used for studies as well as to provide residences for visiting researchers and other important guests.8
- NEST-Empa ETH ZurichCapabilities of the NEST modular building research center.9