OK, so what exactly is ZEB? Zero Emission Buildings or Net Zero Buildings strive to use less energy on an annual basis than they energy they create on site. So the question is does the Snohetta ZEB (Zero Emission Building) Pilot House ($TBA) reach this goal? In short, the answer is ‘yes’, in spades.
The Snohetta ZEB Pilot house is located in Larvik, Norway and was built through a collaborative effort between Snohetta, Scandinavia’s largest independent research body SINTEF, ZEB partner Brodrene Dahl, and Optimera. The house was built as a learning platform for teaching building methodologies for houses with integrated sustainable solutions.
It’s not easy to get a ZEB-OM classifications. To get one, the team must document a minimum of 100% CO2 offsetting. The pilot house does this through the use of photovoltaic and solar-thermal panels, built into the shell of the building.
The first thing you notice about the home is the dramatically sloping roof that faces southeast which is clad in solar panels and collectors. These items come together with geothermal energy from energy wells to provide the majority of the energy needs for this house. As a matter of fact there is also enough energy left over to power and electric car year round.
Additionally, the house features an outdoor atrium with fireplace and patio furniture for outdoor dining. The outdoor room is surrounded by walls made from stacked firewood and bricks, giving it a year round cabin feel.
