New York design studio CAZA completes the FR House in Punta Fuego in the Philippines. It is a seaside town along the west coast of the country's largest island. The FR House is made from cast-concrete material which aids passive cooling and natural ventilation. The house is made up of concrete cubes that regulate the building's temperature.
Founder of CAZA, Carlos Arnaiz explains the material choice to Dezeen, stating "Concrete was chosen for its efficiency in combining thermal mass and structural volume, allowing for effective cooling of the house while minimising the space required for the structure. The concrete absorbs heat during the hot, sunny days, keeping the living areas cool. When the temperature drops, the heat is released into the interiors."
Cast-Concrete Cooling Homes
The FR House by CAZA Optimizes Natural Cooling Structures
Trend Themes
1. Passive Cooling - The FR House utilizes cast-concrete material to optimize passive cooling and natural ventilation, reducing the need for traditional air conditioning systems.
2. Thermal Mass - The use of cast-concrete allows the FR House to store and release heat, providing a more energy-efficient heating and cooling solution.
3. Space Efficiency - By utilizing cast-concrete for both thermal mass and structural volume, the FR House maximizes space while still maintaining effective cooling measures.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The use of cast-concrete as a cooling material presents opportunities for architects and designers to explore more sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions.
2. Construction - The FR House's cast-concrete design highlights potential for the construction industry to adopt innovative cooling techniques that prioritize energy efficiency.
3. Real Estate - The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient homes like the FR House opens up new market opportunities for real estate developers and builders.