Mikel Arnao · Product Design Engineer
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p. 12Work 04 · Sustainability

Self-sufficient house

A home on a windy hill above Donostia that makes its own energy and reuses its rain.

My role
Designed the renewable energy systems: hybrid solar panels, wind turbine, battery storage and heat pump.
Year
2021
Context
Contest project
Team
Bixen, Hugo, Mikel Arnao
Distinction
UPV contest winner
013D · drag to rotate

    Exploded view Simplified model of Self-sufficient house, generated in code.

    0%
    13 m/saverage wind speed in Igeldo; the turbine works from 10 m/s
    180 maltitude of the plot: more sun, more wind, mild sea climate
    3 : 1energy delivered by the heat pump per unit consumed
    The house on its plot in Gudamendi.
    Fig. 02The house on its plot in Gudamendi.
    § 01

    Context

    The plot sits on Gudamendi, in Igeldo, 180 m above the sea. The sea keeps temperatures regular, there is little shade and a steady wind, and sewage, water, power, phone and a bus stop are close. The main façade faces south to limit winter heat loss.

    § 02

    Envelope

    Stone on the ground floor resists rain splash; vertical timber cladding above. An asymmetric pitched roof in ventilated zinc, which is abundant, lasts a century and is endlessly recyclable. Triple glazing with two chambers, low-emissivity glass and micro-slat blinds; cellulose insulation made from recycled paper, recovering the old paper mills of the river Oria.

    Façade section, joinery and insulation.
    Fig. 03Façade section, joinery and insulation.
    § 03

    Energy systems

    My part. Hybrid PV-thermal panels on the steep south slope preheat domestic hot water and make electricity for lighting, devices and the heat pump. A small wind turbine works from 10 m/s. Surplus energy is stored in batteries in the attic and the rest goes to the grid. The heat pump heats through the floor, finishes the hot water and reverses for cooling in summer.

    Renewable energy and systems.
    Fig. 04Renewable energy and systems.
    § 04

    Water

    The shallow roof slope collects rainwater into an underground tank used for the washing machine, toilets and garden irrigation.

    Water management and extensive green roof.
    Fig. 05Water management and extensive green roof.
    § 05

    Result

    Full contest poster.
    Fig. 06Full contest poster.
    Next workMercedes V-Class air vent →