Written by Jeff Roberts
For the longest time, ecological impact and sustainability were seldom considered in the construction and design of homes. Today, however, with a large majority of people now recognizing the pivotal crossroad humanity stands at, sustainability and ecological impact have become the focal points of architectural and functional home design.
Modular buildings specialist ArchiBlox has set an impressive groundwork in this regard, unveiling their prototype for a compact carbon-positive house, featuring “edible garden walls,” a sun room, and an insulating grass roof. Dezeen posted these incredible pictures of the innovative ArchiBlox house, so let’s take a tour!
The Archi+ Carbon Positive House is designed to produce more energy than it uses – over its lifespan it is expected to offer the same environmental benefits as 6,095 native Australian trees.
“These homes will give our clients the opportunity to rid themselves of modern day lifelines in a house that has been developed through a collaboration of design sensitivities and new technologies with like-minded companies,” the architects told Dezeen.
The prototype home was built in Melbourne’s City Square to showcase the unique living space to the crowds of onlookers passing by.
One of the main features of the home is the sun room, which architects call the “lungs” of the space. Designed to face north, this room creates a pocket of warm air that will help to insulate the interior during the cold winter months, but will also protect the main living spaces from harsh sunlight in summer.
At one end of the house, residents will find a wall with a hanging garden, allowing them to grow their own herbs and vegetables. On the roof, various plants and greenery create a solid layer of insulation.
ArchiBlox also specified the addition of in-ground cool tubes, designed to create cross-flow ventilation by pulling air in from the floor on the south side of the house and emitting it through the north-facing clerestory windows.
Like many tiny homes, every square inch of the Archi+ living space is methodically designed to be as compact as possible, with a combined lounge, dining area and kitchen sitting on one side, while a wall of cupboards screens a bedroom with an adjoining bathroom.
Remarkably, the house makes efficient use of solar panels and rainwater recycling for ecological bonus points.
This is so cool! It is inspiring to see so many industries recognizing the importance of sustainable design, doing away with the idea that we need a massive home to live a comfortable life. We are at a point in time where we need a critical overhaul and reinvention of home design, and companies like ArchiBlox are setting the groundwork for other companies to follow suit in the near future. Let’s hope this catches on quickly.
What are your thoughts on this carbon-positive home? Would you live in it? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Source:
Photography done by Tom Ross
Originally posted @ Collective Evolution
