Team China: Tongji University
Y Container
Y Container combines six recycled shipping containers into a succinct, Y-shaped solar house. Y Container is easy to transport, assemble, and expand—providing the freedom to live anywhere with low costs and clean energy. It is a living house that can contain the energy, water, and plants required to enjoy an independent and natural lifestyle.
Design Philosophy
Team China designed its solar house not only as a highly integrated solution for supplying energy and water but also as an answer to financial and transportation challenges. The team's design transforms prefabricated shipping containers into a modern living environment. Founded on the expectation that one can live anywhere freely, Y Container uses these standard modules and special conjunction components to help people expand their living space according to their wishes.
Features
- The expandable and blended space provides divided functional areas linked through a consecutive spatial sequence.
- The design provides opportunities to view the varying landscapes in different sections of the yard.
Technologies
- An integrated system uses heat recovery from the solar thermal collector for the domestic hot water supply and the floor heating system.
- Vacuum insulation and phase-change materials block heat transfer and moderate the interior temperature passively.
- A natural ventilation tunnel in the middle of the house regulates air distribution and fresh air supply without energy consumption.
Market Strategy
Y Container's target client is a young couple in Shanghai, China, where many young people cannot afford independent housing. Recognizing the gap between incomes and house prices in Shanghai, Team China has designed a solution.
What's Next
The house will be transported back to Tongji University after the competition. It will be combined into the new Green Energy Exhibition Area of the campus. If possible, research will continue to maximize the potential of this design.
