Real Energy for Affordable Living
Aug 15th, 2008 by contributor
REAL Housing is an Israeli company committed to the development of affordable housing using renewable energy to power a sustainable future. Their house designs are based on modular and prefabricated construction, using recycled shipping containers to form the spine of each structure. Their building solutions are based on decades of experience in both the construction industry and the building energy research community. Two of the founders are affiliated with the University of Colorado and many of the innovations grew from their experiences with the Solar Decathlon, an international competition to design and build small solar-powered homes.
Combining advanced energy technology with innovative construction techniques, REAL Housing brings fresh solution to the global community. To learn more about their projects, designs and building global sustainable communities, visit: REAL Housing.
Model Home - Completed January 7, 2008:
Innovation and technology with integrated systems:
- Integrated solar panel roofing (saving on cost of original roofing)
- Solar hot water system combine with the solar PV system (heat generated by the sun shining on the PV panels is transferred to the water flowing in the solar thermal panels)
Efficient:
- Well-insulated envelope proper sizing and placement of windows and overhangs
- Walls and roofs of our homes are built using (SIPs) structural insulated panels
Example Floor Plan:
The smallest home design in their line is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home with 120 sq.m. of floor area. The design also includes a concrete room that can serve as a third bedroom, office, or storage. An example floor plan is shown above, though floor plan variations can be achieved by shifting the bedroom and dining room spaces.