Alventosa Morell Arquitectes designed the Casa GG, a home featuring six protruding timber boxes, for a family wishing to relocate from the city. The compact home fits right into the surrounding hills just north of Barcelona.
The architects, who built the house in just over four months, sought to create an inexpensive and energy-efficient structure. To do so, they decided on a "Passivhaus," meaning a building that can be heated using minimal energy. The architects explained, "Keeping in mind the energy-efficient characteristics of a Passivhaus, we drew six modules that will adapt automatically to the sun and to the existing trees."
The home is constructed out of locally sourced spruce wood. During the winter, the house can be heated using a single radiator. To achieve a greenhouse effect, the architects utilized glazed doors and connective glass panes to retain warmth during the colder seasons.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Passivhaus Architecture
- Opportunity for architects to design energy-efficient buildings using minimal energy.
- Compact Home Design
- Potential for creating small, space-efficient houses that fit into natural surroundings.
- Locally Sourced Materials
- Demand for construction materials sourced locally, reducing environmental impact.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- Architects can explore innovative Passivhaus designs for energy-efficient buildings.
- Construction
- Opportunity to build compact homes that blend with the environment.
- Sustainability
- Demand for locally sourced materials in construction projects for reduced environmental impact.
