The design's intention is to promote strategies that are both healthy for people and the environment, integrating architecture and healthy systems, while using local materials. The open floor plan winds around the water tank, continuing onto the second floor, and connects to the roof garden.
A centrally located cylindrical tank acts as a thermal mass, holding cold water on the north and warm water on the south. Sun penetrates from South facing glass, warming the tank's mass, heating the water. A geothermal heat pump and solar panels contribute to warming. Rainwater drains off the solar roof onto the lower extensive green roof, and runs into the cylinder.
Rainwater is used for irrigation, filtered rainwater for low flow fixtures and greywater for toilets. Blackwater is treated.
Not only do rainwater collection and green roofs reduce storm water runoff, but the ground is pervious with non-grass groundcovers, gravel, and vegetable gardens. South screens allow deciduous vines to climb and provide seasonal shade.
Day lighting is achieved with south facing glass and glass block walls in the bathrooms. The upstairs rooms contain sliding screens that when shut, block the sun, or when open, enlarge the space, and connect to the roof garden.
Strategic window placement allows for crossventilation to cool the house in the summer. In winter, solar fans push rising warm air down. Any additional warming is achieved with radiant floor tubing.
Integrating the house and the water storage is central to this design.
(Competitor's text)
2 scanned / 2 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Presentation Panel
