Fab Lab House
a solar house by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
Barcelona - The Fab Lab House, developed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), is a self-sufficient building that marks a new paradigm of energetic efficiency through its innovative ability to generate energy, food and utensils. The house produces more energy than it consumes, and thanks to its elevated structure –which naturally creates a patio/orchard/kitchen space underneath to provide for food. Also, it incorporates state-of-the-art machinery which can build tools and everyday objects by using the very same parametrical designs used in the general design of the space.
The house has been designed by architects of over twenty different countries and developed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), The Center for Bits and Atoms of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the world network of Fab Labs, along with an important group of private firms. According to Vicente Guallart, Director of the IAAC, “the form of the house responds to its energy production potential. While in the 20th century form followed function, in the 21st century, form will follow energy. Buildings must be like trees, which are self sufficient, and must follow natural principles. Rather than built, the project was manufactured, as digital manufacturing machine tools (known as 3D printers) were used in the construction process. This process partakes on the humanistic idea, advocated by Guallart, that things must be again produced in cities. Says Guallart “We produced our solar house with researchers, in accordance with medieval principles: the designer and the builder are the same person.”
The Fab Lab House is not only a piece of social and technical engineering but also a design in full coherence to its immediate environment. The design is conceived to create a flexible structure which adapts to the climate of its location and is both visually and environmentally respectful towards its sorroundings. It makes the most out of solar rays and natural drafts, and cuts therefore with the need for artificial heating or AC.
A prototype of the Fab Lab House was exhibited recently at the Solar Decathlon Europe Contest held in Madrid last month, and over 20.000 people visited it. The house was awarded the Public’s Choice Award at said contest, which showcases cutting edge sustainable architecture. The house is currently on the market, and its prize starts at 45.000 € for the smallest version.
The house has been designed by architects of over twenty different countries and developed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), The Center for Bits and Atoms of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the world network of Fab Labs, along with an important group of private firms. According to Vicente Guallart, Director of the IAAC, “the form of the house responds to its energy production potential. While in the 20th century form followed function, in the 21st century, form will follow energy. Buildings must be like trees, which are self sufficient, and must follow natural principles. Rather than built, the project was manufactured, as digital manufacturing machine tools (known as 3D printers) were used in the construction process. This process partakes on the humanistic idea, advocated by Guallart, that things must be again produced in cities. Says Guallart “We produced our solar house with researchers, in accordance with medieval principles: the designer and the builder are the same person.”
The Fab Lab House is not only a piece of social and technical engineering but also a design in full coherence to its immediate environment. The design is conceived to create a flexible structure which adapts to the climate of its location and is both visually and environmentally respectful towards its sorroundings. It makes the most out of solar rays and natural drafts, and cuts therefore with the need for artificial heating or AC.
A prototype of the Fab Lab House was exhibited recently at the Solar Decathlon Europe Contest held in Madrid last month, and over 20.000 people visited it. The house was awarded the Public’s Choice Award at said contest, which showcases cutting edge sustainable architecture. The house is currently on the market, and its prize starts at 45.000 € for the smallest version.
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