LOW3 - A Mediterranean Net Zero Energy Building
Abstract
The LOW3 (low energy – low impact – low cost) prototype developed by UPC-Barcelona Tech for the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 competition is a energy self sufficient solar house based on three main principles: a low energy demand, a low impact on environment and a low cost architecture with a strong focus on the economy of means. LOW3 explores the thermal capacity of intermediate spaces in contributing to a low energy architecture as well as it explores spatial qualities, creating in-between spaces for innovative ways of living. The first building shell of LOW3 is based on an industrialized greenhouse structure with a lightweight polycarbonate skin, optimized in its bioclimatic performance through openings for cross ventilation, shading devices, vegetation, an evaporative cooling system and integrated solar systems. As a microclimatic skin it modifies the thermal behaviour of the interior, where a highly insulated, minimum housing unit of 42 m2 is located. Whereas the interior housing unit is actively conditioned through a radiant heating and cooling system and a ventilation system with heat recovery, the intermediate space of LOW3 is designed to create comfort conditions exclusively through passive strategies.