# Self-Sufficient Housing Models Ripple is a Smart Urban Structure with Self-Sufficient Technology By Elena Rahman | Published 2021-12-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripple References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/12/20/this-self-sufficient-architecture-outfitted-with-smart-technology-provides-a-solution-for-our-future-cities/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-self-sufficient-architecture-outfitted-with-smart-technology-provides-a-solution-for-our-future-cities) & [tue.nl](https://www.tue.nl/en/)  [Ripple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripple-sofa) is a self-sufficient house model designed by VIRTUe, a student team from the [Technical University of Eindhoven](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildlife-tracker) in the Netherlands. The team was tasked by the 2021 Solar Decathalon Europe to create sustainable innovation solutions through the development of urban areas. VIRTUe developed Ripple as a standalone structure built to fill the gaps of urban fabrics. The self-sufficient apartment structure is made from repurposed wood and outfitted with a solar roof that supplies power for the structure's integrated smart technology. Moreover, the house is modular by design and features a solar roof that can change orientation depending on the sun's angle throughout the day. Furthermore, the house is designed with integrated walking spaces along the roof's perimeter. Image Credit: VIRTUe ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Self-sufficient Housing:** The trend towards developing housing models that utilize renewable resources and technologies to support basic human needs. - **Modular Design:** The trend towards designing individual housing units that can be easily added or removed depending on users' needs. - **Smart Home Technology:** The trend towards integrating technological automation solutions that optimize comfort and efficiency in daily living while reducing energy consumption. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Construction:** Opportunities to incorporate sustainable construction methods, materials and technologies, such as repurposed wood, renewable energy systems, and modular design techniques, for creating environmentally friendly living spaces. - **Renewable Energy:** Opportunities to develop innovative solutions in renewable energy systems to power self-sufficient housing structures. - **Smart Home Automation:** Opportunities to innovate and integrate smart home technologies that can optimize energy consumption and improve living standards for occupants while being both user-friendly and environmentally safe and sustainable. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tranquil Water-Inspired Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripple-apartment.md) - [Solar Powered Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e55000.md) - [Water Movement-Inspired Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripple-light.md) - [Off-Grid Self-Sufficient Island Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-house.md) - [Sustainable Floating Cork Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-float-1.md) - [Climate-Responsive Prefab Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-pod.md) - [Water-Powered Family Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breach-house.md) - [Shape‑shifting Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-offgrid-house.md) - [Multifunctional Circular Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eve-park.md)