NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Fuengirola, Malaga, Spain, 07/08/2008 - Diseño Earle, International Architects based in Fuengirola, have designed what they believe to be the first ‘zero carbon’ footprint house in Andalusia, possibly in Southern Spain.

The highly unique and modern architecture of the villa was designed to meet two specific objectives. The first objective was to achieve a virtually zero carbon footprint. The second objective was to reduce running costs to an almost self-sufficiency level. By harnessing and exploiting natural elements within the design the architects believe the home will be 80% more efficient than a similar sized home and with 75% less waste than a traditional design. All this will go towards a massive reduction in running costs.

The villa to be sited on a plot overlooking the La Quinta Golf Course will also be built using sustainable construction methods ensuring total regard for the local environment and social footprint.

Whilst virtually every architectural feature contributes to the overall sustainability of the project by no means has the design element been forfeited over ecological function. This is a strikingly original home packed with the kind of superlative features one would want to experience in 21st century luxurious living.

The 3,125m² plot presented a major challenge to the architects, long and narrow sitting on a 45° gradient, there is virtually no flat land. However the plot does have stunning views over the golf course and the famous La Concha mountain backdrop to Marbella. The total build will be 650 m².

The house is on three levels. A ‘floating’ glass walkway leads to the entrance which opens into the upper level of a double height glass atrium drawing the eye through 180° of stunning views. This level includes a kitchen, dining room and main living room. A swimming pool and two terrace areas are also located at this level with a separate guest house situated at the far end of the plot. Stairs lead down to a lower level which houses three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a master suite, TV room and family room. In addition a study with en-suite facilities offers versatility. A plant room is on the basement level which also includes the water holding tanks.
The kitchen opening out onto an East facing terrace is positioned to take advantage of the morning sun, partial shading towards the house is provided by a pergola. The main living area is connected to the kitchen and dining room by a bridge which passes over water.

COOLING: Externally the most apparent feature is the roof line which sits wing-like above the building line. The roof form and distance from the building is key, it holds the solar panels at the correct angle to maximize effectiveness whilst also hiding them from view. Less direct heat is transmitted into the house and the space between the two rooflines allows air to pass over the building adding to the cooling effect. Perimeter adjustable louvered vents are also located just below the building roof line allowing cooler air to pass through rooms whilst removing the accumulated hot air.

Extensive glass is used in the design however the ‘double skin’ effect again incorporating adjustable louvered panels, prevent excessive heat conduction through the glass.

The main living area hovers above a ‘mirage’ of water which appears to merge with the swimming pool but is in fact part of the cooling system. It is fed by a canal which runs the length of the pool to one side. The 30cm deep ‘mirage pool’ cools the air passing over it thus contributing to the cooling process.

WATER MANAGEMENT: A rainwater reclamation system will be installed and Grey water will be recycled from holding tanks situated in the basement. The pool will be saline negating the use of standard pool chemicals.

HEATING: A photovoltaic system will supply the electricity to run a radiant heating system within the floor. The adjustable louver wall system will optimize heat capture during the day and retain the warmth by night.

Geo-thermal energy will provide a back-up cooling and heating system.

In keeping with the design ethos only wood from verified managed sources will be used as will low VOC paints and LED lighting. Environmentally sensitive smart glass technology reacting to sunlight will reduce the cooling load through self adjusting opacity levels. The kitchen layout will optimize storage design to decrease waste. All appliances will be the latest low energy and water-efficient models.

CEO, Michael Earle comments “As a company we are increasingly responding to the demand for modern sustainable design as clients become more knowledgeable about renewable energy products and their benefits. Modern architecture houses a sustainable approach so perfectly through its design versatility”

With the Spanish government taking such a proactive role in sustainability Diseño Earle hope that at a local level the public will engage more positively with the global environmental consciousness that is gathering pace.

The villa is available to purchase and will be completed in 2009.

About Diseño Earle
Diseño Earle (d-earle.com) is a leading international architectural practice based in Southern Spain. The company is committed to delivering an unparalleled customer experience to both commercial and private clients, offering superior integrated services in contemporary design and construction. A multi-cultural team of over 150 people work on projects as diverse as a fifty storey commercial tower in Dubai, a design responding to ecologically aware principles, to a state of the art 2000m² villa in La Zagaleta, Marbella.

Diseño Earle will be opening a satellite office in Dubai this year in order to meet the growing demand for inspired architecture.

Agency / Source: Diseno Earle

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