Zeb Pilot House – The Zero Emission House By Snøhetta

ZEB Pilot House is a project completed by Snøhetta. The home is located in Larvik, Norway, and covers an area of 2,153 square feet.

Zeb Pilot House – The Zero Emission House By Snøhetta:

“Snøhetta is an active partner within ZEB (The Research Center on Zero Emission Buildings). The ZEB Multi-Comfort House is a cooperation between Snøhetta, Scandinavia’s largest independent research body SINTEF, ZEB partner Brødrene Dahl, and Optimera. The volume of the house describes a single-family home. However, the building is intended for use as a demonstration platform to facilitate learning on building methodology for plus houses with integrated sustainable solutions.

To achieve ZEB-OM classification, the project must document and verify a minimum of 100% CO2 offsetting. Renewable energy production via photovoltaic and solar-thermal panels integrated into the building envelope enables offsetting carbon emissions generated by burning fossil fuels in power stations. By neutralizing this, we simultaneously reduce the emission of other greenhouse gasses. Focus on carbon emissions associated with building materials represents a new direction in the vital drive toward a sustainable construction industry.

The house in the garden has a characteristic tilt towards the southeast and a sloping roof surface clad with solar panels and collectors. These elements, together with geothermal energy from energy wells in the ground, will serve the energy needs of the family house and generate enough surplus to power an electric car year-round! For this to become a successful reality, architecture and technology must unite and ensure optimal comfort and energy use optimization.

An outdoor atrium with fireplace and furnishing opens for outdoor dining from early spring to late fall. One of the world’s most advanced family houses is a feeling of cabin life in a room with stacked firewood and brick walls.

Materials used on interior surfaces have been chosen based on their ability to contribute to the good indoor climate, air quality, and aesthetic qualities.

The project has a strong focus on retaining home-like qualities through non-quantifiable properties. Emotional comfort and a sense of well-being have governed the design process to the same extent as energy demands. The grounds employ a variety of spaces that can be enjoyed year-round, including fruit trees and vegetable gardens to accommodate small-scale food production.”

Photos by: Bruce Damonte, Paal-André Schwital, EVE

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