The InterHouse Prototype Project

Architecture and Construction

• Architecture concept to benefit from the sun path and optimize natural sunlight.
• Compact envelope to limit heat transfer.
• Cross ventilation windows for night cooling and indoor air quality control.
• A courtyard that acts as a buffer space to the main entrance of the house.
• A green wall for evaporative cooling
• Bioclimatic pergola with rain and wind sensors to protect the courtyard and to control the amount of sunlight that gets in.
• 45cm thick CSEB (compressed stabilized earth bricks), made locally, with a high thermal capacity that contributes with the slab on grade to modulate the indoor air temperature.
• 20 cm of straw for the roofs thermal insulation

HVAC

• In-house made smart system monitoring the indoor environment quality, air temperature & humidity, lighting, CO2 and VOC.
• Smart control of the ventilation system.
• Smart control of the windows blinds
• Data monitoring via internet.

Energy & electricity system

• PV Solar panels : 4kWp rooftop PV panels & & 1.6 kWp semi-transparent BIPV (building integrated photovoltaics)
• South-East oriented BIPV panels act as sun protection of the seating beneath it from rain and summer overheating.
• 5kWh, 48V recycled electric car battery system.

Wastewater Treatment & Rain Water Collection

• Wastewater treatment system: phyto-purification and UV purification filtration of grey water (dishwasher and kitchen sink).
• Filtred water collected in a tank along with the rain used for cleaning and for watering the landscape and green wall.