Casa Nautilus Solar – Organic contemporary Architecture based on Vernacular Heritage

Abstract

[EN] The common ground between vernacular architecture and contemporary ecological organic architecture (Ecohabitar, 2011pp21) emerges from regional activity adapted to local climate while using natural materials from the surrounding area. A healthy environment is created through the principles of Habitat Biology, which is based on the empirical wisdom of past generations. These actions were, and still are, highly sustainable and regenerative through a “closed circuit” of resources without any damage to the ecosystem. We propose a family home with building biology criteria and bio-climatic design, based on the use of high quality building materials: load bearing walls of sun-dried earth blocks with hemp insulation, earth and lime renders with natural paints, a timber structure and an organic green roof, working together to create healthy, pleasant spaces. This house sets the stage for a life project in a rural setting, focused on a farming and livestock initiative. Independence from the water and energy grids is made possible by rainwater harvesting, a well, a compost toilet, grey water treatment with aquatic plants and the use of renewable energy with simple technology (photovoltaic panels, thermal panels and a heavy Kachelofen-type wood burning stove). The design and form are adapted to the agricultural landscape and emerge from the interior and exterior needs of its inhabitants: solar orientation, exposed construction systems, the proportions of the golden section and appropriate interior and exterior colours.

[ES] Se presenta una casa unifamiliar de bioconstrucción y diseño bioclimático, basada en materiales naturales de la zona: muros autoportantes de bloques de tierra comprimida con cáñamo como aislante, revoque es de arcilla y cal con pintura natural, estructura de madera y cubierta ajardinada en forma de cúpula. Se trata de un proyecto de vida en el medio rural, vinculado a una iniciativa agro-ganadera, independiente de redes de agua y energía, que se consigue con la recogida de aguas pluviales y pozo, inodoro seco, depuración de aguas grises por plantas palustres, uso de energías renovables con tecnología sencilla (placas fotovoltaicas, colectores solares, estufa pesada - tipo Kachelofen - de leña). El diseño y la forma, adaptados al paisaje agrario, surgen de las necesidades exteriores e interiores de sus habitantes: la orientación solar, sistemas constructivos visibles, las proporciones en la sección de oro y colores exteriores e interiores apropiados.