WashU's 'Lotus House' Boasts a Sustainable, 3D-Printed Design
Laura McQuarrie — August 18, 2018 — Art & Design
References: samfoxschool.wustl.edu & archinect
The 'Lotus House' is a 3D-printed, sustainable 650-square-foot structure designed by Team WashU as part of the 2018 Solar Decathlon China. The student team from Washington University designed and built the 3D-printed house in the northwestern city of Dehzhou, with the prototype serving as an example of an energy-efficient, eco-friendly construction.
The single-storey home design boasts distinctive outer curving panels that overlap with one another, giving the project its name due to its resemblance to a blossoming flower. Due to the unique shape of the structure, the design stood out at the competition for its non-orthogonal, space-saving design.
As well as being of cultural importance, the lotus flower lends organic design elements to the structure and promotes natural circulation throughout the home in accordance with feng shui.
The single-storey home design boasts distinctive outer curving panels that overlap with one another, giving the project its name due to its resemblance to a blossoming flower. Due to the unique shape of the structure, the design stood out at the competition for its non-orthogonal, space-saving design.
As well as being of cultural importance, the lotus flower lends organic design elements to the structure and promotes natural circulation throughout the home in accordance with feng shui.
Trend Themes
1. 3D Printing in Sustainable Architecture - The 'Lotus House' is a perfect example of how 3D printing technology can contribute to eco-friendly construction.
2. Organic Design Elements in Architecture - The Lotus House's incorporation of the lotus flower into its design highlights a trend towards the integration of natural design elements into sustainable architecture.
3. Space-saving Design in Architecture - The Lotus House's non-orthogonal, curving panels showcase a trend towards space-saving designs in architecture.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Construction - The Lotus House demonstrates a disruptive opportunity for the sustainable construction industry to explore 3D printing technology in order to produce eco-friendly housing.
2. Architectural Design - The incorporation of natural design elements showcased in the Lotus House illustrates an opportunity for the architecture industry to innovate by marrying sustainability and organic design.
3. Interior Design and Feng Shui - The promotion of natural circulation throughout the Lotus House according to feng shui principles highlights a potential area for interior designers and feng shui professionals to collaborate and innovate together.
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