nicolas dorval bory and emilio marin: snow house

‘snow house’

as part of an architectural competition for xella cellular concrete blocks, nicolas dorval-bory architect and emilio marin have developed ‘snow house’, a winter chalet that uses sustainable means to provide home heating. the project uses xella aerated concrete blocks which are energy-efficient building panels. using this material combined with its compact square plan helps to reduce the loss of heat.  the house is also built close to the ground with no overhang while the central courtyard is kept open to allow for a significant supply of light and fresh air in the summer.

additional heating is achieved through two systems called the geothermal heat pump and trombe wall. both work in tandem to first pump fresh cold air from the exterior to later pass through the trombe wall for heating. during the day, the trombe wall warms the air using a greenhouse effect trapping it between two walls. at night, the heat stored between the high thermal walls is distributed through the house. the system is controlled by motorized valves to prevent a reverse flow of air overnight.

the supporting structure of the house is made out of 15 cm xella blocks, lined with a vapor barrier and 10cm xella panels, with a black waterproof roughcast coating to maximize solar gain and limit the accumulation of snow on the roof.

cold air pumped from the exterior is used to warm the interior using a geothermal pump and trombe wall

sectional

the interior rooms are provided different levels of thermal insulation depending on the activities they are used for. bedrooms and bathrooms on the south end of the building have a higher indoor temperature than the living room and kitchen facing the north. this is possible due to the natural slope on which the house sits on.

floor plans