Ripple is a self-sufficient house model designed by VIRTUe, a student team from the Technical University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The team was tasked by the 2021 Solar Decathalon Europe to create sustainable innovation solutions through the development of urban areas.
VIRTUe developed Ripple as a standalone structure built to fill the gaps of urban fabrics. The self-sufficient apartment structure is made from repurposed wood and outfitted with a solar roof that supplies power for the structure's integrated smart technology. Moreover, the house is modular by design and features a solar roof that can change orientation depending on the sun's angle throughout the day. Furthermore, the house is designed with integrated walking spaces along the roof's perimeter.
Self-Sufficient Housing Models
Ripple is a Smart Urban Structure with Self-Sufficient Technology
Trend Themes
1. Self-sufficient Housing - The trend towards developing housing models that utilize renewable resources and technologies to support basic human needs.
2. Modular Design - The trend towards designing individual housing units that can be easily added or removed depending on users' needs.
3. Smart Home Technology - The trend towards integrating technological automation solutions that optimize comfort and efficiency in daily living while reducing energy consumption.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - Opportunities to incorporate sustainable construction methods, materials and technologies, such as repurposed wood, renewable energy systems, and modular design techniques, for creating environmentally friendly living spaces.
2. Renewable Energy - Opportunities to develop innovative solutions in renewable energy systems to power self-sufficient housing structures.
3. Smart Home Automation - Opportunities to innovate and integrate smart home technologies that can optimize energy consumption and improve living standards for occupants while being both user-friendly and environmentally safe and sustainable.