The changes of global climate, the depletion of natural resources, air pollution and the devastation of habitats is clear evidence that human activity is considered harmful for the future of the planet. The term Ecological Footprint has been created to show us the pressure exerted by humans on the planet, enabling us to reach alarming conclusions for the future. Ecological Deficit occurs in a country, when the population exceeds its biocapacity. The Carbon Footprint, which is responsible to a large percentage of global climate change, accounts for 60% of the total Ecological Footprint.
Climate changes affect the performance and design of buildings. Architecture has to keep up with these necessary changes, transforming the building morphology and integrating new technologies to improve energy efficiency of buildings. Therefore, an off-grid residence is planned in this research, which is energy independent and spatially flexible, with the ultimate aim of significantly reducing carbon footprint. There is the possibility of transportation of the residence, supporting the dominant phenomenon of contemporary reality, the nomadism.
The energy requirements of the house are fully covered by a photovoltaic system. Passive heating and passive cooling are being used, supported by superior insulating capacity and tightness of the shell. The research and the design of the residence have been made, using the climatic conditions related to the city of Volos.
