Location   Kingston, Tasmania, Australia

Surface area   2,368 square feet

Photographs   © Bruce Damonte © Snøhetta © EVE

	Landscape integration
	Solar hot-water system   Rainwater collection and use
	Photovoltaic solar energy   CO2 low consumption   Geothermal energy   Passive solar / High insulation
	Sustainable wood   Prefabricated materials   Local materials
	Natural daylight   Natural ventilation

ZEB Pilot House is a cooperation between Snøhetta; SINTEF, the largest independent research organization in Scandinavia; the partner of ZEB; Brødrene Dahl, and Optimera. Although the project focuses on the design of a detached house, it has become a demonstration platform to facilitate learning about the methodology of construction using integrated sustainable solutions.

The design of an ambitious environmental project such as this is driven by knowledge of new technologies, local energy sources, materials and construction techniques, and other local resources, as well as the intelligent placement and orientation of the house to make optimal use of energy resources. Clearly, high environmental ambitions create new parameters in the design process.

In parallel, the project retains the comfortable qualities that are vital in any home. The need to achieve comfort and a sense of well-being dominates the design process to the same extent as its energy demands. To this end, the project boasts a variety of spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the year and includes fruit trees and vegetable gardens outside to accommodate small-scale food production.

Elevations

Diagram of low energy consumption and bioclimatic strategies

  1.  Solar cells (photovoltaic panels) 1,600 ft² - 19200 kWh/year

  2.  Solar collectors 170 ft² - 4000 kWh/year

  3.  Roof slope 19

  4.  Rainwater collection
4a. Toilet
4b. Garden

  5.  Passive exterior sun shading

  6.  Light and air are automatically controlled based on use and need.

  7.  Thermal mass stabilizes the temperature.

  8.  The boiler gets heated water from the solar collectors, an energy well, the air system, and the water heat recovery systems.

  9.  Radiant floor heating heats the house.

10.  Gray water heat recovery, drain water heat recovery.

11.  One radiator on each floor can heat the whole house.

12.  Excess heat from the indoor air is used to heat the incoming air and tap water.

13.  Windows with a good U-value

14.  Efficient insulation

 The sloped roof is festooned with solar panels, which, along with geothermal energy, cover the house’s energy needs and generate more than enough energy to supply an electric car all year long.

Ground floor

First floor

  1.  Inverters and battery bank

  2.  Carport / Cyclepart

  3.  Storeroom

  4.  Cloak room

  5.  Entrance

  6.  Multimedia room

  7.  Guest room / Office

  8.  Bathroom / Washroom

  9.  Technical room

10.  Kitchen / Dining room

11.  Fireplace

12.  Living room

13.  Garden storage

14.  Sauna

15.  Outside shower

16.  Swimmimg pool

17.  Bedrooms

18.  Bathroom

19.  Mezzanine

20.  Void

21.  Skylight

22.  Cut volume

 From early spring until late autumn, an open-air atrium with outdoor furniture invites life outside the home into a beautiful space with walls made of recycled wood and stacked bricks.

 The materials used inside were selected for their capacity to contribute to a pleasant interior climate and air quality but without forgetting about aesthetics.