Architecture Design Narrative

The Para Eco-House combines both parametric and ecological strategies into the logic
of the architectural language used in the house design. Both Passive and Active energy
systems are utilized in this project. Going beyond the functional and environmental
requirements, we create a paradigm for a low carbon future.

The concept of creating a multi-layer skin emerges from a combination of Dao theory in
eastern philosophy and the theories of Michel Foucault in western thought, especially the
ideas of autonomy in architecture.

20 Ecological Points Towards An Autonomous Architecture

1. Photovoltaic Panels
2. Solar Collector System
3. Sun Tracking Solar Panels
4. Solar PVT (Photovoltaic with Thermal)
5. Gray Water Treatment & Ventilation Aid
6. Wetland Filter System
7. Water South Heat Pump with Heat
Recovery Unit
8. Rain Water Harvesting
9. Evaporating Water Cooling
10. Architectural Shading

11. Inner Courtyard Ventilation

12. Vertical Greenery
13. Composite Skin System
14. VIP Thermal Proof Wall
15. Temperature Humidity Independent
Control System
16. Bamboo Structure
17. Bamboo Furniture
18. Mist Spraying System
19. Smart Lighting Control
20. LED Lighting System

Spatial Logic
By creating physical boundaries from the layering of the program, three layers emerge.
The three layers of the skin separated the entire house into four spaces: the outer space,
the semi-open space, the enclosed space and the inner courtyard space which are
supported by unique strategies.
1. Semi-open Space
The semi-open space is mainly surrounded by the composite timber skin, which unites the
solar energy, ventilation, and shading components with vertical greenery on rhombus
frames.

- The roof components include solar tracking PV panels and shading system.
- The west elevation of the house combines thin film solar cells and vertical greenery. The
size of the holes varies due to the wind pressure on the elevation which enriches the
semi-open space creating an eco-transition between nature and interior space.
- The wetland water system under the open deck plays an important role in enhancing the
environmental quality- the mist spraying system creates comfortable and pleasing atmosphere for various
events as well as helping cool the wind blowing through the living area.
2. Enclosed Space.
The enclosed space covers the area of 55.8 m2 and includes almost all functions of a
house. With the basic idea of flowing space, these different parts of the enclosed space
are organized freely so therere few doors and walls with the enclosure of living area and
the visitors could walk around without sight barriers.
3. Inner Courtyard
The courtyard plays a vital role in balancing the interior and the exterior. Housing the
active equipment and the electric room it forms the central functional space of the house.
The courtyard also acts as a ventilation and light-well, bringing the outside environment
into the deepest recesses of the house, creating a dimensional shift from the exterior to
the interior.

Fabricating the Skin

The Para Eco-house utilizes a multi-layer skin solution for the family home - an energy
responsive skin outside, an environmental protective skin in the middle, and a courtyard
skin in the heart. Because of this separation, different ecological strategies are required
and through the combination of active and passive systems the best solutions are found.
1. Energy Skin
The energy responsive skin outside mainly consists of lattice frame with parametric
components and solar system on the roof.
- Parametric Components
The facade system includes solar energy gathering, shading, vertical greenery, wind
cooling, irrigation and shading.

- Roof Solar System

The solar panels are rotated and placed in rows, along the calculated profile of the exterior
skin maximizing the performance of the panels. The movement of the dynamic solar
system is controlled by computer algorithms.
2. Thermally Controlled Skin
The enclosing skin of the living space is composed of VIP thermal insulation material and
XPS thermal insulation board and fragments of newspaper. The double layers of thermal
insulation ensure an outstanding performance in enhancing the efficiency of energy.

3. Courtyard Skin
The effects of courtyard skin are mainly revealed through the attached equipment. The
courtyard skin is the enclosure of smart boxes so it does centralize the most significant
facilities. With the courtyard skin, the house could run more efficiently and intelligently.

Bam
mboo Matterial
High
h-strength compound ba
amboo is the
e main struc
ctural material of Para E
Eco-House. With
a sshort life span, bamboo is a h
highly renew
wable resource withouut harming the
eco--environmen
nt. Taking the advan tage of ba
amboo as material ccan protect the
enviironment.

Lighting Sys
stem
We mainly use LED light so
ource, ESL l ight source, and natural light to proovide illumina
ation
wise
ely, reflecting the idea of green lig
ghting and energy-savin
e
ng environm
mental protec
ction
requ
uirements.
Lighting Con
ntrol
1. L
We use smart lighting con
ntrol system
m to adjust different
d
ligh
hting atmospphere accorrding
diffe
erent areas and scenes
s so that the
e electrical energy
e
cons
sumption coould be redu
uced.
For example, th
he party sce
ene is desig
gned with brright light - 100%
1
luminaance provision whicch promisess full illumin
nance for s o many people talking
g with each other, enjo
oying
use.
deliccious food or
o happily da
ancing in hou
Lighting Ana
alysis
2. L
App
propriate na
atural lightin
ng has a p
positive effe
ect on the indoor feeliing and en
nergy
efficciency. An inner court wh
hich can brin
ng us warm light and fre
esh air is sett in the centrral of
the house to ma
ake the living space mo
ore comfortable.

Para Eco-House: Engineering and Construction Report

House Structure
The objective of the structures group is to create a safe and sensible structural design that
maximizes efficiency and minimizes the use of materials that require high energy during
production.
The roofing system was designed to maximize its R-value, given deflection constraints for the
additional loads of a green roof and height constraints during transportation.
High performance computer programs (SAP2000) were used to evaluate all feasible load
combinations to find and design to the critical load scenario. Some programs were
commercially available, but when necessary, members of the structures group wrote custom
computer programs. The main reason for the use of programs as opposed to hand calculations
was to provide the designers with flexibility throughout the process. Alterations are easy to
implement and check.
Our load is mainly apopt according to the rule of SDE and the Load Code of China.As for the
Wind load, When year n=10 years(as the chinese code,), basic wind pressure
0 . 65 Kpa .Coefficient of wind pressure variation with height 1 . 0 .Gust response
coefficient z 1 . 0 .So q c 0 . 65 c .And the the pressure of wind
factor c p is the same as the rule c . Shape coefficient of wind load is adopted by Load
Code for the Design of Building Structures (GB 50009-2001).And according to the rule,
0

qe qb ce c

0 . 65 c

qe

, so we can both use the Load Code of China or the Load in

the rules.
The whole structure contains the coreused to set the equipment,the box(totally formed by
timber),the gray space(mainly formed by steel) and the skin(mainly formed by timber). In our
structures,timber were used as the main support materials,and the frame is totally made by
timber . Since there is no special speciffication in Solar Decathlon Building Code 2012, we
refer to other design specification in china, especially the design of timber structures, and
design of steel structures, etc.
The foundation of the structure is individual foundation under column.For the core,we
expecilly set some foundations for it.
Considering the steability of the box ,we use the following joint to give an acceptable
stiffness of the joint of roof beam and column:
We use the following joint to guarantee the steability of each beam and column:

As the wood skin is hardly for calculations,we sue SAP200 to calculated the wood skin by
finite element methodthe computational modle and computational result of SAP2000 is as
follows(as the Limitation of length,we just list several results,the rest can be found in the

structure calculation):

Computational Model

Most Favorable Moment(M2)

Most favorable axis force

Most Favorable Shear Force(V2)

The calculation result of SAP2000 meets the checking requirements.

Plumbing system design and construction

The plumbing system design complied with code for design of building water supply and
drainage, GB 50015-2009, national standard of the Peoples Republic of China.
For domestic water supply system, we choose the PP-R with aluminum foil layer for it has a
lot of advantages, such as low pipe resistance, small coefficient of expansion and
Pollution-free. According to the water unit needs, we calculate the total water flow and
pressure loss in details, which act as the basis of water supply pump selection, in this way the
pump and pipeline will match well, so the pump work at high efficiency.
For drainage system, PVC pipe is selected, which has Long service life, simple construction
method and so on. We collect contaminated water of different quality to different containers,
namely grey water, rainwater and black water tank.
As water resource has been in short in the world round, we take water reuse as one of our
most important strategy of sustainability. The collection of rainwater from roof to rainwater
gutters will be stored in the rainwater tank. Grey water from clothes washer, shower and basin
is also collected in a grey water tank. The water from rainwater tank and grey water tank can
be used to irrigate the vegetation after being treated by the artificial wetland. In this way we
can save a lot of water.
Artificial wetland is a sewage treatment way which is constructed and controlled by people.
The wastewater is purified by soil, fillers, plants and microorganism during its flowing. The
mechanism includes absorption, retention, filtration, chemical reaction, sedimentation,
microbial action, plants absorption and some animals metabolism.
The sewage water was pumped to artificial wetland by hand pump, which will save a lot of
energy.

HVAC system design and construction

HVAC system design and construction is mainly complied with Ventilation and
Air-conditioning Construction Quality Acceptance Criteria(GB50243-2002) and Design
standard for energy efficiency of residential buildings(DGJ08-205-2011).
We use both residential cooling load calculation method and Energy-Plus simulation to get
the load of design day and annually load curve. According to the load feature and energy
efficient idea, we design to use temperature and humidity separated control and water source
heat pump, which can reduce the humid control consumption and make use of renewable
energy. Integrated with PVT system, DHW and natural ventilation design, we can make a

great improvement on heat pump efficiency, reduce energy consumption and also realize the
multi-stage use of solar energy.

PV system design and construction

PV system is one of the most important parts of the house, because it will support almost all
function of the house. At the begin of designing the PV system, we consider many aspects of
building PV system.
1. Maximization of module efficiency
The module efficiency is affected by the location of modules. On the roof of Para Eco-House,
we place 42 pieces of PV modules whose whole capacity is 8760kW. These PV modules can
be divided into 3 groups based on their features or the installation.
A. Group of PV/T. They are 10 innovative type of PV modules integrated with thermal
collectors. That means the waste heat produced by PV modules can be used to heat
domestic water. At the same time, PV modules are cooled, which will increase their
conversion efficiency. In a word, PV/T modules have double function of energy
conversion and transfer.
B. Group of PV with tracking system. They are 10 pieces of modules put on the tracking
holders whose operation is controlled by microcontroller. The tracking system changes
the direction of the PV modules real time. It allows the PV modules always look towards
the sun, which will increase conversion efficiency with about 25%. Even more, control
algorithms of the tracking system is specially designed for the house. It will get better
performance at Madrid.
C. Group of PV with mounting system. It consists of 22 modules which offer almost half of
energy generation. The number of these PV modules is determined by the area of roof and
the shade of other PV modules. In other word, we can maximize the generation of PV
system by put just 22 PV modules in mounting holders in our house.

2. Maximization of conversion efficiency

The conversion efficiency is affected by the topology of system.
42 PV modules are divided into 4 strings, which is determined by the style and the location of
PV modules. Each 2 strings are connected to 1 inverter of SMC-5000A-11. This method of
connection can maximum the function of MPPT.
As the only method of energy supply, PV system has importance effect on the operation of
the house. So, enough energy generation of PV system will guarantee satisfying
comfortableness which affect the marketability of the house.

MonthlyPro
M
oductionand
dConsumptio
on

kWh
200
00

Production

Consum
mption

The PV system of our housee show excelllent perform

mance. Almo
ost during thee whole yearr, the
p
mucch more enerrgy than conssumption, especially in suummer.
PV ssystem will produce

Solar colleector system

m
The solar energyy is the clean
n, sustainablle and huge energy.
e
PAR
RA-ECO HO
OUSE is designed
most all hot water
w
deman
nds and use tthe heat pum
mp as
to uuse solar therrmal energy to meet alm
backkup source.
On tthe basis of the hot wateer contest annd the daily average usaage of 200L and the radiiance
rate,, we calculaated out thaat the solar collector areea should at least be 44.72 m2. Haaving
com
mpared the effficiency betw
ween vacuum
m pipe collecctor and plating collectorr, we choosee four
solaar plating colllectors, 1.6 m2
m collect arrea each, 6.4 m2 in totaland the effeective collectt area
is 6..0m2.
p
collecctor are as fo
ollowing:
The parameters of the solar plating
Colleect area of

Weight

Hyydraulic

each platem2 (mm)

Dimension

(kg)

tesstMpa prressureMpa efficiency

meedium

1.6

30

0.66

Waater

2000800
80

Max
M working

0.6
6

Average therrmal

Winter>45%
%

Heat

Other seasonns>50%

According to abbove, the sollar collector can offer nearly 52 MJJ per day duuring compettition
mand. But in
n winter dayys and otherr low
periood, which can meet the domestic hhot water dem
solaar radiance coondition, we need use heaat pump to meet
m the hot water
w
demannd.
All the installatiion of solar collector andd PVT therm
mal part is complied witth the Tech
hnical
w
heating
g system of ccivil buildin
ngs (GB50364-2005), a national cod
de in
codee for solar water
Chinna.

PVT systeem
The PVT system
m is consistted of the P
PV part and solar therm
mal part, whiich can gen
nerate
olar thermal part, as a ccooling part,, can
electric and warrm water at the same tiime. The so
m
Due to this parrt, the PV panel
p
recoover the exttra heat on the back off the PV module.
tempperature cann drop down
n, which willl improve the
t conversio
on efficiencyy. Comparin
ng to
tradiitional sepaarately systeems, this inntegrated system can make
m
full uuse of the area,
multti-stage use of
o the solar energy,
e
imprrove the enerrgy efficienccy and also ddecrease the cost.
In oour system itt is also conn
nected to HV
VAC system
m, as an indirrectly heat soource. The warm
w
wateer produced can be used
d to make doomestic hot water and cool the warm
m water for next
cyclle.

Para Eco-H
House: Energy effficiency Report
Hou
use envelop
pe
Envvelope insulattion is vital for building energy conssumption and
d thermal per
erformance, and
a a
bestt high perform
mance envellope is a cosst-efficiency strategy. Vaccuum insulattion panel (V
VIP),
usinng in the houuse, with two
o layers of X
XPS panels on
o the two faaces of VIP llayers to enh
hance
the insulation afffect and to protect the flimsy VIPss from hamm
mer and naill. The DuPo
ont
mize air infilttration and prevent
p
the w
water penetraation.
Tyveek breatheer membranes can minim
For the window and door paart, we use doouble glass with
w two Low
w-E coating layer. Our house
h
t
of shading, one iss interior lou
uver shading
g, one is thee exterior sh
hutter
also has three types
t Para-Eco
o skin shadinng. The semi--artificial bettween two skkins can mittigate
shadding, last is the
the ddirect influennce from the outside enviironment.
Construction
n
Walls
Windows
Floor
Roof

U-valu
ue
0.13
1.2
0.13
0.13

Composiition
XPS, VIP,
V wood, bam
mboo, urban boaard
Heaat-treated glasss, SHGC=0.5
V XPS, woo
VIP,
od, bamboo
VIP, XPS,, wood

ARA-ECO H OUSE Enveelope Components

Table1. PA

Nattural ventillation
Venttilation toweer plays a maajor role in paassive system
m. Its functio
on varies in ddifferent seassons.
In auutumn and sppring, we sh
hould make fu
full use of naatural ventilattion, which ccan not only save
enerrgy, but alsoo provide us with a moree comfortablle environment. The venntilation tow
wer is
like a solar chim
mney and assiisted by axiss-flow fan. When
W
in summ
mer, an innerr sun shading
g can
be oopened to coool atriums air. In wintter, the ventilation tower is acted ass a passive solar
housse, which cann reduce HV
VAC heating lload.
Natuural ventilatiion combinees with evapporative cooling technology. The weetland and spary
s
coolling system supply
s
the frresh cool air, which may up to 10 drop, and caan expand naatural
venttilation periood. Meanwh
hile, CFD sooftware is used
u
to optim
mize air disstribution deesign.
Figuure 1 shows one case of optimal natuural ventilatiion under the Madrids aannual prevaailing
windd. Figure 2 shows the quantity of energy saviing by naturral ventilatioon in our ho
ouse.
Obvviously, the quantity
q
of en
nergy saving by natural ventilation
v
is quite substaantial.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Sprray cooling
Maddrid climate is typically
y hot and drry, shown in
n Figure 3. It is very suuitable for spray
s

coolling. It can humidify

h
and cool down tthe air signifficantly.
0 RHDistrib
butionRatio
80% Tdb30
1.8
0.00%
18.30%

79.90
0%
030

31
140

4150

Figure 3

51100

Diaagram1

Wett land
It caan collect annd purified 200L grey water per day
d with abssorption, reteention, filtraation,
chem
mical reactioon, sedimen
ntation, micrrobial action
n, plants abssorption andd some anim
mals
metaabolism, shoown in diagraam 1.

App
pliance
We choose high efficient lev
vel appliancee to reduce daily
d
essentiaal energy connsumption, listed
l
me appliance below.
b
som

HV
VAC System
m
The aim of a HV
VAC system is to designn an efficient and econom
mic system too build a com
mfort
ment. In trad
ditional HVA
AC system, humidity co
ontrol will cconsume a lo
ot of
indooor environm
enerrgy. We desiggn a temperaature and hum
umidity separrate control system
s
to sollve this prob
blem.
On the other haand, we try to make beetter use of renewable energy
e
and aalso improvee the
systeem efficient..
Thiss system is consisted
c
of two
t
heat pum
mps, two HD
Ds (heat exch
hanger), an A
AHU, a DES
SICA
(outtdoor air hanndler) and tw
wo atomizatioon humidifierrs. Using thee heat pump to handle mostly
m
senssible load, annd the dehum
midifier or at
atomization evaporate
e
hu
umidifier to ttake away orr add
the extra humidity. DESICA
A, the dehum
midifier, is like a combin
nation of thee desiccant wheel
w
mp, which haas 1.5 times bbetter than trraditional onee. For the huumidifier parrt, we
and the heat pum
h at 30W) orr the DESICA
A above.
can primary use the atomizattion humidiffiers (270ml/h

VTs and coolled by long w

wave radiatio
on in
Threee semi-connnected tanks can be heateed by the PV
the nnight and dirrect cooling due to the loow humidity and low tem
mperature outtside in the night.
n

So tthe WSHP caan get warmeer source in heating/hot water

w
model and cooler ssource in coo
oling
moddel. In some condition, these
t
tanks ccan storage waste energy for anotheer model to raise
enerrgy efficientt. Due to the higher evaporation
n temperaturre and low
wer condensation
tempperature in cooling, the COP
C can be ggreatly impro
oved.

s
ted tanks is suitable,
s
we can use the direct coolin
ng or
If thhe temperatuure of three semi-connect
heatting to minim
mize the enerrgy consumpption and mak
ke better usee of nature ennergy. For fu
urther
use, we can exppand this system to use gground-waterr source, surrface water ssource and so
o on.
ost regions too make betterr use of the renewable ennergy.
Thenn it can be appplied to mo

Solaar collectorr system

The plating colllector has a higher peakk efficient an
nd it decrease slower thhan vacuum pipe
to 60 raange, platingg collector has a better efficiency currve. On the other
o
colleector. At 50
handd, it also hass a relatively
y larger effecctive collect area. Solar collector
c
is th
the most efficient
wayy to make hott water, it only has pump consumptio
on.
We choose the plating
p
collector as our pprimary heatt source of DHW,
D
whichh has 82.2% peak
mp as an auxiiliary
efficciency. In order to meet the daily hott water demaand, we use the HP pum
enerrgy system, which
w
has hig
gher efficiennt than electriic heating.

PVT
T system
The PVT system
m is consistted of the P
PV part and solar therm
mal part, whiich can gen
nerate
t same tim
me. With the water coolin
ng, the PV ppanel temperature
electric and warrm water at the
T integratted system ccan make fulll use
can drop down, the conversiion efficienccy increase. This
i
the energy effi
ficiency and also
of tthe area, muulti-stage usee of the sollar energy, improve
decrrease the cost.
15.00%

PVTeffficient
atcom
mmonPVTemp

13.00%
11.00%

Comm
monPVefficiennt

9.00%
7.00%
5.00%

25 35 45
5 55 65

75 85

PV tracking syystem
For solar house,, the largest energy entryy is PV geneeration. In orrder to generrate more eleectric
wer, we transsplant the grround trackinng system to
o this roof trracking systeem. It shows the
pow
trackking system can increasee 22.7% of ellectric powerr generation.

Effiiciency Anaalysis and Consumpti

C
ion Estimattion

The thermal loads of the building weere modeled

d using EneergyPlus soft
ftware; the basic
b
paraameters of thhe envelope for
f the PARA
A-ECO HOU
USE design arre summarizzed in Table 1.
1
Hourlyy Heating Load
L
(W)

Hourly Cooling
C
Loaad (W)

40
000

4000
0

20
000

2000
0

Figuree1. Hourly Heating

H
Load
Figure2. Hourly
H
Cooliing Load
PAR
RA-ECO HO
OUSE is deesigned to bbe environm
mental-friendlly and sustaainable for both
com
mpetition andd the world. We try to reeduce the con
nsumption to
o make PAR
RA-ECO HO
OUSE
as a net power supplier. PA
ARA-ECO H
HOUSEs hig
gh-level insu
ulation and gglazing allow
w the
HVA
AC system consume
c
mucch less energgy than the ordinary
o
hou
use. Also thee energy-efficient
indooor electricall appliances, LED-lights can help us save much energy. It is estimated to
o use
abouut 4200 kWhh/year. Table blow showss the configu
uration of thee electrical ddemand descrribed
abovve.

In oorder to optiimize the ho

ouse design,, six cases were analyzzed, starting with a baseline
folloowed by addding the diffferent compoonents to su
ubsequent cases. Figure aabove shows the
simuulation resultts for the six
x cases. It hellps to choosee which enerrgy saving haas great poteential
on P
Para-Eco houuse.

Buiilding Autoomation Co
ontrol systeem
Our system can show real tiime energy ccondition, seensor signal and system work condittions.
ontrol
Thenn it can conttrol HVAC and DHW sysstem to makee energy use more efficieent. It can co
autoomatically annd remotely. It helps us too choose a effficient routee based on thhe database.
Heree is the scheematic of ourr home energgy managem
ment and auto
omation systtem and interrface
pictuure of our coontrol system
m.

Para Eco-House: Sustainability Report

TONGJI TEAM
The Para Eco-House combines both parametric and ecological strategies into the logic
of the architectural language used in the house design. Both Passive and Active energy
systems are utilized in this project. Going beyond the functional and environmental
requirements, we create a paradigm for a low carbon future.

Combining the Active and Passive environmental systems into a symbiotic relationship
with one another, the two philosophies merge and benefit from the mutual interaction.

20 Ecological Points Towards An Autonomous Architecture

20 ecological points on the Para Eco-House covers our sustainable strategies on solar
system, water & greenery system, AC system, lighting & smart control system, passive
strategies and material strategies. These aspects can ensure a sustainable future of Para
Eco-House.

Solar System:
1. Photovoltaic Panels
Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power
by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of
electrons. Our house has 48panels placed on the roof; we have also
generated an algorithm and mechanical base that will keep them
orientated towards the optimum solar single throughout the day and
year.
2. Solar Collector System
A solar collector designed to heat absorbing sunlight. In our system we
have connected the solar heat array into the home heating supply,
providing a high ambient temperature for the family to use.
3. Sun Tracking Solar Panels
A motorized axis system have been developed to position the solar
panels directly in the suns raise throughout the day, making them 25%
more efficient.
4. Solar PVT (Photovoltaic with Thermal)
A duel use system for cooling the solar panels making them run more
efficiently. This water is then pumped into the house and is a low grade
temperature heat resource used both for heating water and air
conditioning.

Water & Greenery System:

5. Gray Water Treatment and Ventilation Aid
Gray water is reused by being filtered and is pumped back into the
system to aid in backwater systems.
6. Wetland Filter System
The waste gray water, flows through the plants and microbes, which
purifies the water through different kinds of filtration, by settling and the
vegetation cleans the water by absorbing it, this water is used to flush
black water and for outdoor use.

8. Rain Water Harvesting

The rainwater is collected and filtered and is used in the building for
cooling.

9. Evaporating Water Cooling

In the transition season the outdoor fresh air, flows into the building
through the shafts under the building, which make the air condition
system more efficient and increases the thermal comfort of the house.
12. Vertical Greenery
Pockets of greenery are interspersed through the faade wall structure;
these are used to promote shading effects, and to help cool both the
wind and the solar panels.
13. Composite Skin System
A parametric skin, which unifies three elements, firstly the orientation
and aspect of the solar panels, secondly the vertical vegetation, and the
third is the airflow ventilation system.

18. Mist Spraying System

In the semi-open space, a humidifier system uses mist to cool the
visitors that will be queuing to see the house.

AC System:
7. Water South Heat Pump with Heat Recovery Unit
Pre-heating and pre-cooling water tanks are place under the base of
the building, and utilize water source heat pump to regulate the
temperature of the building. This mechanism works at electrical peaks,
and uses only excess energy that is produced by the solar panels, and
acts as a thermal battery. Meanwhile, in the summer time the water
source heat pump collect condensed heat and makes use of it by
heating the hot water supply.
15. Temperature Humidity Independent Control System
Make use of the desiccant heat pump regulating the interior latent load
where a fan cooled unit will manage the interior sensible load, keeping
a separate control of the latent heat load, enhancing the efficiency of its
heat and cooling ability.

Lighting & Smart Control System:

19. Smart Lighting Control
We use smart lighting control system to reduce the electrical energy
consumption.

20. LED Lighting System

Light emitting diodes are used on the facade to enhance the visual
appearance of the building in the evenings, highlighting various
elements of the architectural design.

Passive Strategies:
10. Architectural Shading
The exterior timber energy skin protrudes out over the inner skin so
shield it from direct sunlight. This shading will protect the inhabitable
house from temperature fluxes.

11. Inner Sourtyard Ventilation

A chimney effect is created by heating the top, this ventilates the
building by creating the a funnel or air through the building.

14. VIP Thermal Proof Wall

A vacuum insulated panel (VIP) consists of a nearly gas-tight enclosure
surrounding a rigid core, from which the air has been evacuated, we
have used this to maximize the thermal efficiency of the enclosure.

Material Strategies:
16. Bamboo Structure
Bamboo is a highly renewable resource, with a short life span. It will not
harm the eco-environment, but improve the regeneration of bamboo
forest under a reasonable harvest. With the new study result that made
by Zhejiang Forestry University, a hectare bamboo can sequestrate
5.09 tons carbon.It is 1.46 times than of fir.
17. Bamboo Furniture
The furniture is made from press bamboo panels, which will produce
less carbon.

Para Eco-House: Industrialization and Market Viability Report

(TONGJITEAM)
Targeted Consumers:
The reconfigurable features enlarge the targeted
clients group. In particular, the clients listed below
should be addressed.

Couples or couples are about to have children.

Singles living and working at home such as artists,
designers, freelancers.

Investors, renting it to the students or young singles as a dormitory.

Hostel owners, building it in the tourism scenic area.
Highly mobile people, often having to move the house.
Free holders, intending to build a weekend house or second house.
Administrators, using it as studios.
FRAMEWORK
In order to properly meet the requirements of previous mentioned client, the Para
Eco-House do great effort on these aspects: livability, buildability and marketability.

Market Viability

Livability

Buildability

Marketability

Function

Prefabrication

Merchantability

Aesthetics

Assembly

Acceptability

Comfort

Cost

Marketing

Energy control

LIVABILITY
We believe that a splendid architecture not only meets people's everyday needs, but also
reflects people's unique aesthetic sensibility.

1 Function
The designer utilizes a traditional Chinese bamboo material as well as some modern
elements such as the water supply system, waste disposal system and the energy
supply system, spaces are carefully arranged concise and coherent. So we can affirm
that people in the house will be fascinated with its highly self-sufficient energy system
and extremely convenient service facilities.

2 Aesthetics
Design of the Para Eco-House combine both active and passive sustainable strategies,
so a new aesthetic reflected by the combination can provide special eco-feeling for
consumers.

3 Comfort
In order to create great comfort space we do great effort on ventilation analysis and
lighting analysis.

4 Energy control system

Another point that we would like to underscore is the energy control system used in our
project, this system with a friendly ipad program can show the energy data and also
control the system easily, thus effectively furnish the everyday energy needs.

BUILDABILITY
1 Prefabrication
Taking the construction cost and quality into account, pieces of components constituting
the walls and roofs are prefabricated in our own workshop.
2 Industrialization Degree
The Para Eco-House is highly industrialized and prefabricated in the factory. Including
the living box, the mechanical room and the energy skin are highly integrated and
prefabricated.

3 Assembly
Our main task before competition is to assemble the precast pieces and boxes
accordingly. Solar photovoltaic panels can be first assembled on roofs and walls, then
the internal systems like HVAC and bamboo walls in a similar way.
4 Economic Feasibility

Direct Material Part

Estimated Cost RMB
Architecture
1,075,815
Mechanical Engineering
354,095
Electrical Product
348,690
Solar - Thermal Systems
222,950
Structure
80,000
Total
2,081,550
The cost of Para Eco-House on low production level (1-2houses/year) now is 2,081,550
, as 267,000.
As the production rise, on medium production level(100 houses/year) the material cost
and go down as about 10%, and the total cost may be 1,873,400, as 240,300.
On the long-term, as the production rise at 1000 houses/year, we reach the high
production level, the cost may go down again at about 10% base on the medium level,
the total cost may be 1,686,000, as about 216,000. That means on a positive view
the finally cost may go down on about 200,000.
Adaptability
The house can easily adapt to different climate and various of space requirement.
Because of our prefabricating system of the faade and especially the eco component,
by changing the type of the component, this house can be suitable for its environment.
And by adding some living box modules, this house can also suit for different types of
family.

Communication plan of team TJU

Abstract
Para Eco-house is the new house that will represent Tongji team(TJU)
participate the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012. And due to the next SD
competition will be held in China, we hope through the work of our
communication team, can broadcast the basic idea of Solar Decathlon to the
widely public.

Our target group

Considering we may introduce our Para Eco-house to different age and
background visitors in Madrid, we divide the people in to three type:
1 Student (especially college student in relevant major)

2 Professions (mainly aim the people who work in the field such like

architecture design, solar energy industry, and construction material supply

company)
3 General public(people without professional knowledge but may interest in

our project )

Activities
Strategy aim to students
Since the house is all designed and built by students, the people who
we wanted to attach is students themselves.
Strategy aim to Professionals
Professionals is also play a vital role in this competition, they give
students guidance in order to make the construction work safe and
reliable.
Strategy aim to Public
The widely public is the people who have no professional training in
architecture or some other relevant majors. But their opinions is just
reflect the average acknowledge ability of our house. So the purpose that
Para Eco-House took many social activities, some even seems not much
related in this competition, is to broadcast the low-carbon life style and the
advantage of solar energy.

Para Eco-House at the exhibition

5Communication material
In order to maximum the broadcast effect, we also make series of manual
brunches, foldings. Any visitor could find their needs through our materials.

Set our own web site which allow us make an easier communicate with
fans, public, and our sponsors. Http://solardecathlon2012.tongji.edu.cn/

Set other platform on the internet, such as micro-blog and Renrenblog,

which is also known as the Chinese version twitter and Facebook, that very
popular among Chinese students.