As the project’s author, technical manager and owner, I have sought good results using bioclimatic architectural design resources and research on local materials with manufacturers aligned with climate data. MoradaYDU invites a new perspective and follows the sustainability precepts of the 2030 Agenda. In addition to being an architect, I am also the executive technical manager, owner and resident. I designed, built and live in this space, pollinating the concept of sustainability.
More than an ecological house that integrates 9 SDGs, MoradaYDU is the life project of a family that left the megalopolis in search of quality of life and a housing model that challenges established consumption patterns. Between 2019 and 2021, this work was carried out as an architectural activism for sustainability, focusing on visual awareness, application of bioclimatic concepts, reduction of consumption and environmental and social inclusion. Throughout the process, and after occupation, the house encourages coexistence with fauna, flora and visitors, restoring the individual’s relationship with nature and society.
Net Zero Operational Energy
Both buildings that make up MoradaYDU – the residence and an annex – use passive bioclimatic architecture, ensuring thermal comfort, health and well-being in all spaces throughout the year. Their architectonic passive design allows the photovoltaic plant to operate with a production rate of 113% over MoradaYDU’s energy consumption, which received the Zero Energy GBC Brazil certification. The main design features are summarised below:
- Ventilation strategy: The buildings were designed to use natural cross- and stack ventilation, keeping the interior spaces 7ºC below the outside temperature.
- The passive design is supported with green roofs that provide thermal insulation, both in hot and cold weather, while collecting rainwater in a 9m3 cistern for irrigation.
- Natural lighting is abundant during the day in all rooms, and artificial lighting operates with sensor support. The interior lighting is LED, and the exterior lighting is provided by autonomous photovoltaic lights without cabling, which allows savings of around 130kWh/month.
- Dry construction minimising the use of water during the construction process.
- The electrical appliances are smart and have the PROCEL-A seal
Health, Equity and Resilience
- Biophilia is present in all environments, with large frames for exterior views and integration with the gardens that also generate full natural ventilation and lighting. Seven acrylic domes and a prismatic polycarbonate vault, all ventilated, promote the circadian cycle by providing abundant natural light without glare.
- An organic garden fed by composting produces fresh, chemical-free food.
- The vegetated mass occupies 50% of the lot, promoting biodiversity, microclimate and improvement in the quality of the exterior and interior air, with more than 100 plants with low water requirements, from the local biomes, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, of which 20 are trees, fruit or honey-producing.
- The natural pool does not use chlorine, but rather a natural rhizofilter formed by stones, sand and roots of aquatic plants.
Resources and Circularity
- The external cladding of the buildings uses thermo-pressed panels made from shredded industrial waste, made of 75% polyethylene and 25% aluminium, with a thermal performance 50% better than cement panels;
- We use materials from renewable sources (bamboo, OSB), discarded materials (reclaimed wood, environmentally friendly stones from local quarries, chopped rubble), recycled materials (thermo-pressed panels, draining flooring, wood plastic composite – WPC, containers, PET tiles) and recyclable materials (steel, EPS panels, aluminium), according to their durability and maintenance.
- With reduced maintenance, WPC eliminates the need for treatments or varnishes, the external coating made of recycled thermo-pressed panels is 100% waterproof, and the external space is 100% permeable, consisting only of a garden.
- Doors and frames use wood with DOF (document of forest origin) from IBAMA, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment.
- A single dumpster of construction debris was generated and sent to the local recycling plant for shredding. Wood waste was sent to the municipal recycling point and plaster waste to a specific local company that collects this material. Metals, plastics, PVC, paper and cardboard were sent weekly to the local recycling cooperative. Upcycling of surplus and discarded materials generated furniture and accessories.
- The waste from pruning and tree leaves is 100% composted. Organic waste from plant foods is composted by a worm farm.
- Indoor potable water consumption is reduced through highly efficient fixtures and grey water is externally used, while black water is anaerobically treated.
- Nearly 80% of the materials and services were locally provided.
