"Première Dame" House
Additional Info
Award Winner : RI SpA
Architectural Excellence : The “Première Dame” house is part of the new generation of mobile eco-sustainable solutions produced by RI that can literally be built anywhere. It is designed in a sustainable way thanks to the contribution of stainless steel building exterior for the patterned facade that can reduce the solar heating effect and hence the demand on the air-conditioning system.
The fully furnished house showcases innovative yet commercially available products and systems integrated to achieve high levels of building performance and resource efficiencies. It is a manifest expression of innovation in digital design and technology that creates an engaging envelope that allows air and light to filter through the porous metal panels. The strict rectangular geometry of the modules is softened through the extensive use of perforated screens, which also reflect the traditional decorative elements of the local culture in Djibouti where it is located.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The “Première Dame” house is a custom, cost-effective, green modular unit, which provides high quality sustainable residential development at an affordable price point. It was prefabricated offsite in RI factory in Djibouti in a process that minimizes construction waste and saves on costs. It is powered by low and zero-carbon energy sources, such as photovoltaics, and saves on energy costs with cutting-edge technology that controls light levels and temperatures.
It is one-story house for a minimalist living, fully organized in a sequence of contemporary efficiency that can also be stacked up to six storeys in height and in infinitely expandable horizontal length by simply connecting additional units. The purpose of the new minimalist and digital design is to not only to create a comfortable and sustainable house, but to reduce long-term running costs for the owner.
Design Firm Name : R.I. SpA
Engineering Firm Name : R.I. SpA
Green Building Description : The design strategies include high performance building envelopes to minimize thermal loss and architectural features to reduce energy demands and to optimize day-lighting and minimize solar gain. Passive solar design is combined with renewable resources, extensive water storage, high performance walls, roof and glazing systems creating an efficient home. The internal technology configuration aims at achieving a high standard of living as it has all the comforts for a contemporary wellness: natural space brightness, home automation for power consumption and safety control, LED lights, energy saving toilet and a separate waste management compactor. In addition to its natural and artificial light, the house is able to provide a healthy interior air quality regardless of external factors thanks to dust and draft-free filter systems that work with an air exchanger to distribute fresh air throughout.
Installer Firm Name : R.I. SpA
Occupied Date : 6/3/2017
Production Start Date : 5/13/2017
Project Location City : Djibouti City
Project Location State Name : Djibouti
Technical Innovation : Compared to traditional construction methods, production of the “Première Dame” house generates less waste with a smaller impact on the environment. The steel structure is in line with the landscape and, together with the surrounding greenery, creates a harmonious environment. The material is low-maintenance, resistant to corrosion and very ductile to manipulate it. The 58-square-meter house features an open-plan living, dining and kitchen and it was designed to eventually expand to include another full section with more bedrooms. The super energy-efficient insulated wall and flooring system creates a high-performance envelope. The unit is built to withstand Typhoon and Earthquake scenarios– using “Resilient Design” strategies: steel frame structure, which has a resistance of up to 150 Km/h according to Euro codes of wind action and to cataclysmic seismic events. The unit incorporates smart home technology system also installed which controls remotely the appliances and the lights.
Total Square Feet : 58
Category : Green Building