08 MODULAR HOME

In 1959 a group of Japanese architects and city planners joined forces under the name 'the Metabolists'. Their vision of a city of the future inhabited by a mass society was characterised by large scale, flexible and extendable structures that enable an organic growth process. They were influenced by the ideas and drawings of Archigram.

This EcoHouse is largely influenced by the Metabolist architectural thought. Developed in collaboration with Omnia Tech from Milan, Italy, this home is based on a highly resilient and flexible concept. Taking the example of 'Lego Housing' dating all the way back to our childhood, the Modular Home allows you to plan your life savings and finances by being able both to expand or reduce the living area of the housing unit itself, by a mere addition or reduction of its wall and roof modules, as well as combine other units together, thus treating this entire EcoHouse as a 'module'. In this sense, there are few examples of a more flexible building response to the environment and our increasing need to respond to the rapidly frequent changes of modern lifestyle.

Made of SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) modules, the walls and roof of the Modular Home are very durable and have an extremely high thermal and mechanical resistance. They are fully resistant to corrosive actions of chemical and atmospheric agents, can accommodate all water supply, drainage, electrical, gas, telecommunication services, as well as easily serve for wall and floor heating and cooling, providing occupants' comfort in all climates. If combined with Solar Collectors and/or Photovoltaic Cells to form a pitched roof, Modular Home can be built even in the coldest climates. In dry climates, on the other hand, the walls and roof of this EcoHouse can be utilised for storing domestic water.

Thanks to the notable versatility of the system, you can set up your EcoHome in a matter of days using Omnia Tech's Modula City™ products and expertise, to enjoy living in a permanent, lasting structure, one whose size and shape you will modify as you see fit, or even one which you will simply recycle innumerable times.

The applied technology is founded on the principle of modularity - a word that contains all the strength and the versatility of the final product - based on three building elements alone: the panel, the angular panel and the corner panel.

Some of the characteristics of the S.M.C. material used to manufacture the internal and the external panels, can be summarised as follows:

• Suitable for storing domestic water, and even drinking water;
• Resistant to corrosive acid and hydrocarbons;
• Thermal insulator;
• Electrical insulator;
• Retains shape in-between the temperature of -100°C to +180°C (-148°F to 356°F);
• Resistant to strong impacts (hurricanes, landslides, etc.);
• Suitable for various kind of internal and external finishing (e.g. all architectural paints, eco-paints, etc.);
• Suitable for further modification (e.g. cutting, milling, drilling, etc.).

And if you ever need to move home, all you would need is a helping hand to dismount the modules that make your walls, floor and roof, stack them on a pallet and ship them by truck or plane to your next postal address!

AREA SCHEDULE

REGISTER OF WORKING DRAWINGS (PLANS)

ECOTECTURAL DESIGN FEATURES

Feature 1: Sheet Moulding Compounds (SMC)

Sheet moulding compound or sheet moulding composite is a ready to mould fibre reinforced polyester material primarily used in compression moulding. The sheet is being provided in rolls up to 400kg. Compression moulding is a method of moulding in which the moulding material, generally preheated, is first placed in an open, heated mould cavity. The mould is closed with a top force or plug member, pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mould areas, and heat and pressure are maintained until the moulding material has cured.

The process employs thermosetting resins in a partially cured stage, either in the form of granules, putty-like masses, or preforms. Compression moulding is a highvolume, high-pressure method suitable for moulding complex, high-strength fiberglass reinforcements. Advanced composite thermoplastics can also be compression molded with unidirectional tapes, woven fabrics, randomly orientated fiber mat or chopped strand. The advantage of compression moulding is its ability to mould large, fairly intricate parts. Compression moulding produces fewer knit lines and less
fiberlength degradation than injection moulding. This methodology is used for most of rubber
products.

Produced by Omnia Tech from Milan, Italy, Modula® city is an extraordinary technique, making the dream of our Modular Home come true. The characteristics of their innovative SMC allow for both an elevated mechanical and thermal resistance (both heat and cold), a fine tolerance to chemical and atmospheric agents. Having found extensive applications automobile and aeronautical aircraft
industries, it appears that SMC have finally found its recognition in construction and sustainabilty, and not a moment too soon.

 Feature 2: Rainwater Collection and Treatment

Surface water was easily utilised in this EcoHouse design to reduce domestic water consumption and expenses. Being earth-sheltered, the water tank is protected from extremely low or high temperatures. The falls around the tank are profiled in such a way as to funnel stormwater into the
tank.

Collected water is then thoroughly treated for domestic consumption using a 'state-of-the-art' stormwater treatment system, processed by 100% biological means which is 100% safe for domestic use.

 Feature 3: Suspended Ceiling for Air | Heat Exchange and Natural Ventilation

Legend:

1. Lower insulated ceiling surface;
   
2. Metallic divider;
   
3. Southern wall of the EcoHouse;
4. Northern wall of the EcoHouse;
5. Upper insulated ceiling surface.

Recycled exhaust and foul indoor air is reused to heat the cool outdoor air entering this Eco-House. The ceiling runs the length from north wall to south wall, so that the hot indoor air heats up the incoming cold air, using convection currents. 

Feature 4: System Wall Heating and Cooling

System Wall Heating and Cooling, is used in our EcoHouse designs, increases the human comfort level considerably. It produces longwaved horizontal infrared radiant heat which provides ultimate comfort, just like sun warmth which is also radiant heat. Reversely, it can be used for cooling during the summer season. Unlike heat from conventional heating systems radiant heat does not travel upwards and dust circulation is avoided, so it provides a healthy room climate. Heating operates with lowest possible water heating temperature, which means it can be provided by the Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) System. It is a large-area low temperature system, and through use of wall storage, provides exceptional energy saving and cold water circulation converts wall heating into wall cooling in summertime.