Building integration of environmental systems and strategies in off-grid environmentally-friendly prefabricated housing units. Introduction of a taxonomy and evaluation methodology

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the integration of environmental systems and strategies in environmentally-friendly and technologically-advanced off-grid prefabricated housing units. The work is based on a comprehensive precedent and literature review of comparable structures that is subsequently organized in the form of a taxonomy of types of prefabricated assemblies and their inherent potential-from the point of view of both design and construction-to accept the integration of the systems mentioned above. More specifically the main characteristics of existing active and passive technologies are organized according to overarching commonalities amongst the case references investigated. These commonalities are grouped in relation to the holistic approach of the issue of environmental design, which is based on three key aspects: First, on the design of energy efficient structures, which examines active and energy production issues. Second, on the bioclimatic design, which examines active and energy production issues. Third on the ecological approach to design, which refers to the minimization of the ecological footprint of a building, during its life. All cases are addressed in terms of the challenges faced in optimizing the overall design performance so that it leads to an affordable and spatially flexible and site adaptable product and in minimizing the units' lifecycle operational costs with an emphasis on energy consumption. Moreover, the study indicates the potential of prefabricated housing units to exploit solar gains through passive as well as active systems. The current investigation hopefully demonstrates the breadth of the extent of possible typologies related to such prefabricated assemblies as well as the extent of possible integration of active solar systems suitable for such units.