Lumenhaus -- photo by Jim Stroup, Virginia Tech
More photos and information can be found on Lumenhaus.com , Treehugger, and, in the NY Times, this review of the project.
Except for the slightly odd beams that stick out to support the opened sliding screens (see some of the other photos at links above) the design of this experimental and technologically advanced house is quite elegant. The basic idea is to use technology to allow a glass house to be comfortable and energy efficient in all seasons…and to take this a few steps further to enhance quality of life in the house with these same features.
It has been criticized as too techy and too expensive to be marketable, which might be valid, and with almost all glass on the north and South walls, its needs a big suburban or country lot for privacy. (It currently resides next to the famous Farnsworth House (Mies Van Der Rohe) in Plano, Illinos.)
The concept of having stackable modules, so that the house can expand and contract as the family does, would change the real estate profession. The ease of adding and subtracting modules would be an important factor in whether it would be worth the hassle of removing part of your house and selling it to a neighbor.
Be sure to check out the adjustable perforated shade screens that can become more or less opaque depending on the temperature inside. These screens are a much simplified version of Jean Nouvell’s beautiful screens on the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris
This is a picture of me inside Jean Nouvel's Institute Du Monde Arab (photo by Amanda Soskin)
Exterior Institut Du Monde Arabe, Paris
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