Rubber House, A Prefab House Made from Sustainable Materials
The Rubber House is a prefab house designed by CITYFOSTER. This is one of 12 houses in the experimental new development “De Eenvoud” in Almere (NL). This project of single family house was built to provide high sustainability level from its energy efficiency and eco construction. This affordable prefab house won first prize group in the 2006 competition “Eenvoud” (Simplicity).
De Eenvoud is a follow up settlement project of “De Fantasie” and “De Realiteit” developed in the 1980s. Just like its meaning, simplicity, the house built here should be simple, and affordable. This sustainable house building itself was built inspired by the needs of having a simple live. It is about performing a voluntary act to experience life outside of status, it is also about increasing the life’s quality. Simplicity means seeing potentials and transforming meaning.
The sustainable building design involved cheap, reused, and recycled materials to perform an affordable green architecture building. Black EPDM rubber materials from unused conveyor belts were recycled and used for exterior cladding. Cross laminated timber formed a double height space covered by an asymmetrical gabled roof and a single story space covered by a shed roof. Contrast with the exterior, the interior is dominated by the warm charm of the treated timber surfaces, creating a warm feeling.
The prefab concept was applied for walls, floors and ceilings. The windows can be applied from secondhand windows, so the wall cavities were design to remain flexible until windows could be found and fitted in. Natural ventilation is provided by operable double paned windows during warmer months. Radiant floor heating system was attached in the concrete floor to provide additional heating.
This sustainable building consists of two storey part with lower ceiling heights, connected to the single storey main living area. This concept will provide smaller private area. The ground level of the two storey part will cover an office, WC, bathroom and cloakroom. Open kitchen is available. The upper level covers bedroom with ensuite bathroom and walk in wardrobe. Surrounded view is considered carefully.
This eco construction took 3 months to be completed.
