solar decathlon: fab lab house

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.