Located in Zhejiang, this home is an example of energy saving, using locally available natural building materials to create a cost-effective building, which saves considerable energy.
The architects built the house mostly of bamboo, a renewable material that grows in abundance in the Baoxi area. "For the structure of the house we explore new forms of construction with bamboo as basic material," wrote Cárdenas study. "Sustainability for us is not only the use of natural materials such as bamboo, but also the design of suitable building solutions." For this, the architects developed a modular bamboo construction system, with precise geometry and lightweight aluminum connections. allow easier expansion, assembly, disassembly and transport.
Architects have applied Feng Shui principles in design, which consists of nine squares on each floor. The interior is mostly built with minimal dividing walls, to allow positive energy (Qi) and natural ventilation to flow freely. The house is located on a mound of land that houses the technical room.
To minimize energy use, the house uses groundwater along with a geothermal heat pump for indoor heating and cooling. This system is 25% more efficient than conventional systems.