IIDA Student Sustainable Design Competition

In inland arid Australia water is a scarce resource, my project redefines the home as a communicator to the user. Not static but in a constant state of flux, visually and physically expressing it’s current state of energy. The curvature of this house’s glass roof channels rainwater through a filter then into a funnel that also doubles as a storage tank for “grey” water. This funnel is made from a membrane of PVC coated polyester and tensioned by an underlying aluminium frame, thus shape and integrity will be maintained whether full or empty. This
membrane is translucent, diffusing the sunlight naturally and evenly, lighting the interior during the day. During the heat of the day the stored water is heated by the sun, at night when temperatures drop this thermal mass of heated water releases it’s energy through the centre of the house. The translucency of the membrane also allows the water level to be seen, the user in turn will respond by reducing water usage during times of low rainfall and low levels of stored water.
Photovoltaic cells line the border of the roof and collect electrical energy to be stored in the battery system. A submersible watertight capsule light, which adjusts hue varying from green to red depending on the amount of charge remaining in the homes battery system, is immersed inside the funnel. This is another form of communication with the user in a non intrusive but highly visual way. First level flooring is set back 200mm from the glass facade on the east and west walls which aids in the circulation of air helping to maintain an even temperature throughout the home. Double height curtains also slide through this gap allowing for shade or privacy. Each corner of the glass facade has narrow but high floor to ceiling window panels that tilt on a vertical axis to allow cross ventilation. Typically "grey water" storage tanks are stored out of sight, but this house brings to light, the need for increased awareness and emphasis on the importance of our natural resources. The predominant materials for this construction are steel (100% recyclable), aluminium (100% recyclable) and timber (100% biodegradable).