Term Project - Autonomous Houses

Week 5

2/5/13

Research Project Description – Autonomous “Off-the-grid” Houses

                My initial plan was to analyze how a building can function differently given the presence of a “green-roof” system.  The focus would have been on the impact to the building in regard to thermal quality, water runoff, appearance and increased loading and on the community in regard to environmental advantages.  It became clear during research that this topic does not present enough opportunity to engage in Intelligent Building design as it has been presented in class.  The focus turned more to the environmental and aesthetic side rather than technological and intelligent aspect.

                My new topic is autonomous homes and will suite the idea of Intelligent Building much better.  I plan to present detailed research on the different methods of producing a house that can completely sustain itself and not rely on outside resources.  The services discussed will range from electricity and heat to building materials and water runoff issues.  In addition to current and proven methods, I plan to extend my discussion to conceptual ideas that will be the next wave of technology.  The research will not only focus on the equipment used to design an autonomous home, but also on the impact that a structure like this will have on the community and environment as well as economic impacts to the owners.

                Although I did not think of it originally, it was brought to my attention by Junwah and Kayleigh that this assignment can relate to and enhance senior design projects.  Although I have not yet started senior design, I have been thinking about the possibilities.  I have always enjoyed incorporating the environment and efficiency into building systems and this topic will help me develop further ideas for my Senior Design project.  I also found it interesting how John Scanlon proposed to investigate the advantages of advanced materials and energy efficiency means on pre-existing buildings that would need to undergo renovations.  By focusing on the city of Philadelphia and basing the designs on a realistic renovation cost of 10%, John is creating something that is both personally interesting as well as practical.