The Ekihouse: An energy self-sufficient house based on passive design strategies

Abstract

EKIHOUSE is an industrialized solar house prototype designed and developed by the University of the Basque Country for the SOLAR DECATHLON EUROPE 2012 competition that took place in Madrid (Spain). The building design strategies follow full integration of active - passive solar technologies and passive design criteria to achieve an energy self-sufficient proposal, providing a high quality of life to its users. Despite its intentionally reduced area (54,6m2 ), the house is conceived to offer a wide range of lifestyles thanks to its flexible multifunctional open plan design that might be visually and physically expanded outdoors by removing the northern and southern glazed façades (PVC carpentry and 0, 9kW/hm2 ºC glass). For transportation and easy assembling purposes, EKIHOUSE consists of a modular CLT structure system (2 modules of 12,60m x 3m) that support the photovoltaic roof (10kWp). The roof works as a canopy and protects the southern facade from direct solar radiation diminishing overheating problems inside the building. In order to control the indoor temperature , PCM panels are located in the ceiling. The house is as well provided (when passive strategies are not enough with extreme conditions) with a ventilation and air-conditioning system that allows a 90% of energy recovery. Furthermore, a evaporative cooling system located outdoors could help reducing ambient temperature up to 4 °C. A rain and gray water treatment and purification system is as well installed. The operating of all this active technology is controlled by an optical domestic system