There was a time when Malvina Reynolds' words rang so true it made you uncomfortable – and rightly so. But the ticky-tacky little boxes on the hillside don't all just look the same anymore; in fact, they're beginning to look unlike themselves.
Motus, a shape-shifting, zero-energy house that has more personality than there are seasons in the year, is proof of this. It is one of the latest renditions of the passive housing system, designed to save energy and reduce its own ecological footprint. It's not only responsive to the weather but also is almost entirely made of glass, including the flooring.
Although currently only a design idea, the Mõ Ventus concept stems from belonging to a natural environment without taking away too much from it. Its multiple sensors have the ability to detect heat or cold and behave appropriately, either wrapping up its layers (an inner sheet overlapped by an outside shell) to trap heat or opening up to let in the warm sunlight.
For further energy conservation, there is also a cluster of solar panels that power the house and its many moving but lightweight parts. In opposition to the heat-sensitive glass, a "microclimate pool" keeps the house at a comfortably cool temperature, cooling with evaporation.
Motus, in many ways, resembles something alive – its ability to self-regulate in any weather condition removes all limitations on where it could or could not be built.
Recommended sites for Mo Ventus homes include fresh- or saltwater beachfront locations with moderate slopes and temperate climates, although the developers note it "can be adapted for inland mountain topography with a range from tropical to alpine climates. The footprint of the residence can range between 5,000-12,000 square feet depending on the owner's desires and building site conditions." Site recommendations range from Hong Kong to Aspen, Colo., to Thailand, Paradise Valley, Ariz., Sonoma, Calif., or Trancoso, Brazil.
Alas, houses aren't cheap, especially ones that are somewhat alive. The estimated costs for building Motus run from about $2.5 million to $5 million. That's quite a pocketful for a little box.
Via: FastCo.Exist
