Although net-zero projects have been creating a lot of buzz lately in
the field of green building, the Sonnenschiff solar city in Freiburg,
Germany is very much net positive.The self-sustaining city accomplishes this feat through smart solar
design and lots and lots of photovoltaic panels pointed in the right
direction. It seems like a simple strategy -- but designers often
incorporate solar installations as an afterthought, or worse, as a
label. Designed by Rolf Disch, the Sonnenschiff (Solar Ship) and
Solarsiedlung (Solar Village) emphasize power production from the start
by smartly incorporating a series of large rooftop solar arrays that
double as sun shades. The buildings are also built to Passivhaus
standards, which allows the project to produce four times the amount of
energy it consumes!
The project started out as a vision for an entire community -- the
medium-density project balances size, accessibility, green space, and
solar exposure. In all, 52 homes make up a neighborhood anchored to
Sonnenschiff, a mixed-use residential and commercial building that
emphasizes livability with a minimal footprint. The homes are designed
to the Passivhaus standard and have great access to passive solar
heating and daylight. Each home features a very simple shed roof with
deep overhangs that allows winter sun in while shading the building from
the summer sun.
The penthouses on top of the Sonnenschiff have access to rooftop
gardens that make full use of all available solar resources. The
rooftops feature a rainwater recycling system that irrigates the gardens
and supplies the toilets with greywater. The project also makes use of a
woodchip boiler for heat in the winter, further decreasing its
environmental footprint. Advanced technologies like phase-change
materials and vacuum insulation significantly boost the thermal
performance of the buildings' wall systems.
The project's simple envelope design is brightened by a colorful and
dynamic façade. Gardens and paths cross through the development as well,
linking the inhabitants. Offices and stores expand the livability of
the community while contributing a sense of communal purpose.
Smart orientation was a key strategy used to maximize energy
efficiency. The buildings are separated so as to provide sufficient
light to the lower floors in the winter months.
The home's feature a simple passive heating and cooling strategy.
good information, fulfilling need of future....
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