fab lab house model
all images courtesy of IAAC


following the success of the U.S. solar decathlon, the government of spain's ministry of
housing and the department of energy of the USA have teamed up to host europe's first
solar decathlon in madrid. with the objective of achieving the cheapest solar home
in the world, the institute for advanced architecture of catalonia (IAAC) has designed and
fabricated the 'fab lab house' as their official entry into the competition. the 75 m2 house
is suitable for a family of 4 and the use of light wood as its main structural component makes
it possible to assemble the house in fifteen days.


fab lab house model



fab lab house model






model


IAAC's vision from the start was to achieve a new model of industrialization rather than
simply resorting to mass standardization. by utilizing new production techniques and the
latest in digital machines, IAAC saw each product being unique and adaptable to a specific
set of issues. in the case of the 'fab lab house', climatic conditions were considered in the shape
and structure of its design. by working with models and climatic data, a paraboloid form
was shaped and distorted to achieve an optimal orientation for summer in various cities
around the world. the shape also allowed for a large volume while minimizing on the
external surface area. the dwelling is elevated off the ground on three legs, allowing for
natural ventilation as well as a space for outdoor activities.



assembling the fab lab house






image courtesy of el contexto



image courtesy of el contexto



image courtesy of el contexto








the wooden components are laser cut from 1220x1440mm plywood sheets and transported
to the site to be assembled.



fab lab house


prototypes diagram





paraboloid prototype model variations



roof plan



floor plan



ground plan



longitudinal section



transverse section



assembly diagram



the finished house can be viewed at the villa solar in madrid until the 27th of june.