Team Belgium: Ghent University
E-Cube
Team Belgium aimed for simplicity with E-Cube. This approach resulted in a design that is stripped of its nonessential components and finishes, leaving its structure and façade exposed to the interior. The ultra-efficient house is conceived as an affordable building kit that can be assembled in days rather than months.
Design Philosophy
The four principles that define E-Cube are modularity, affordability, flexibility, and efficiency. The team was primarily interested in creating a comfortable, solar-powered house with a lot of space on a small budget. A conscious effort was made to avoid letting gadgetry dominate the overall experience of the house, so technical installations were grouped in a small compartment, and the photovoltaic system was placed on the flat roof out of sight.
Features
- The compact shape minimizes thermal energy loss through the building envelope.
- The façade is made of fiber-cement boards with the same dimensions as the triple-glazed window elements.
- The spacious raw interior is missing most of the conventional finishes.
Technologies
- A standard pallet rack system creates the main structure using a bolt-less assembly process.
- A plug-and-play electrical wiring system is integrated into the structure for easy installation.
- The spacious floor plan can be expanded by adding more floor panels on the existing beams.
Market Strategy
E-Cube offers ample interior space and an environmental design adapted to Belgian conditions. The market appeal of the house lies in the simplicity of construction methods and the potential for affordability. The house is essentially a building kit for an inexperienced builder.
What's Next
Although future plans are not finalized, the house will return to Belgium after the competition. The aspiration is to reconstruct it on campus, where it can be given a useful purpose such as a research space or a house for visiting faculty.
