BASF to Build Energy Efficient Affordable Home

19 September 2007

BASF is already using show houses in Europe, Asia and the US to demonstrate that simple, cost efficient devices can lead to more comfort, savings in energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

In designing The BASF House, they have taken into consideration a number of issues currently affecting the industry. A low carbon emissions target has been set and Energy efficient products are being used to create a thermally efficient home with renewable fuel being used for heating.

The cost of building an energy efficient house is being balanced against the requirement to make the house affordable to a first time buyer, and with available building land in short supply, the design has the flexibility to be used for semi-detached or terraced houses. It will initially be occupied by University staff or students and carefully monitored, but it has been designed to f unction as a conventional dwelling.

Brian Ford, Professor of Bioclimatic Architecture and Head of the School of the Built Environment, said the basic strategy for passive heating and ventilation has been followed in the design of the house.

Architect, Derek Trowell said:

"The two most significant aspects of our brief have made the house different in appearance from more conventional housing. Firstly, the house is intended to be energy efficient and to have as near as possible zero carbon emissions. Secondly, the house is intended to be extremely economical and affordable. The key effect of these two considerations is that the house has a compact floor area and relies as much as possible on passive solar design to keep costs down."