JOIN USAn Italian architectural firm and the Department of Physics at the University of Padua have teamed up to create an innovative zero-energy home. Located in the woodlands a few kilometres from the historic centre of Vicenza, the home — dubbed ‘Tvzeb’ — combines the use of recycled materials, geothermal and solar energy generation, LED lighting, and wall and roof insulation made from recycled plastic bottles.
The structure of the zero-energy home incorporates CNC machined and handcrafted components. This allows the building to be disassembled at the end of its life cycle so its materials can be more easily separated and recycled.
The home features two joining structures that are made from untreated larch wood and a steel shell. Both rest slightly above the ground, supported by two steel foundation beams running lengthways. The frame system has been carefully designed to be completely hidden, and the chosen materials also blend into the surrounding landscape.
‘Tvzeb’s structural design aims to maximise the amount of natural sunlight entering the home during the winter months. The south facade is characterised by a large quadratic sun porch, coupled with interior automated blinds. The interior lighting features the use of LED bars which are recessed into the floor, allowing the light to bounce off the aluminium panels on the interior walls.
The home also features an integrated photovoltaic system consisting of 16 solar panels that are expected to produce enough energy to cover the annual electricity needs of the building. A geothermal heat pump and wood stove are utilised to heat the building during the winter, while reflective glass helps to keep the heat out during the summer.
A double layer of 90 mm polyester fibre wadding insulates the perimeter walls and the roofing of the home. The polyester fibre was made from the recycling of approximately 40,000 plastic bottles and provides optimum thermal and acoustic insulation.
The research team from the University of Padua will monitor the ‘life’ of the home, collect data on its energy efficiency, and identify additional strategies to optimise the sustainability and condition of the building.