Richard Rogers' Pioneer Homes of the Future
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.25.07
We mentioned Lord Rogers' prefab "flexi-houses" being built with Wimpey earlier; now we get to see the almost finished project. "The homes are constructed from sustainable materials and employ unique features including an ‘EcoHat’ – allowing hot air to be re-used to optimise energy consumption and provide passive solar water heating – as well as layouts which optimise space and light."
::Financial Times via ::Urbanity
judging from the pictures, it appears to be built from a form of structural insulated panel. (see larger here) Details from Roger's office"
"Modern Methods of Construction allow components to be manufactured off-site, either as modules or ‘flat-pack’ for ease of transportation. Not only does this decrease construction times, it also reduces waste and energy used in the transportation of materials to site. Even without the distinctive EcoHat, the Oxley Woods houses represent a reduction of approximately 27 per cent in carbon dioxide emissions, compared with a conventional new-build house of similar size. This reduction rises to almost 40 per cent with the inclusion of the EcoHat, 50 per cent when the EcoHat is attached to a hot water system, and more than 70 per cent if the EcoHat utilises geothermal energy sources through a local bore hole." ::Rogers Stirke Harbour and Partners
The eco-hat houses a low energy ventilation system and can be positioned independently of the house for maximum energy efficiency
The houses are manufactured off-site and the prefabricated panels are then assembled over a two-day period. A muted pallete was chosen for the finish, reflecting the local design vernacular
The large windows in the bedrooms maximise the amount of natural light in each house as well as offering good views across the surrounding streetscene
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They may be green, but they are ugly.
Actually, I like it. The minimalist styling is quite striking to me.
That "large" window in the bedroom that maximizes the use of outside light ... is not large at all, I assure you, and does not let ample light in.
This solution is a compromise! The interior with the "large window" is illustrating this ! The heating element is ugly and so is the window.
More pleasent to look at the exterior if you like industrial minimalism. (it's a fabricated term:).
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I can't agree they're ugly, we own one!
We moved in summer 2008 and have been blogging on our own experience in one of these Oxley Woods eco houses.
We have had a LOT of issues, our house is apparently built "to spec", yet we've been having work done for almost three months now to try and stop rainwater penetrating walls and windows!
Innovative, NOT ugly, but not quite there yet is our personal experience!