These low-cost solar-powered houses in Sweden are the energy-efficient housing solution we need in 2022
On a street in Örebro, Sweden, you’ll find a set of ten solar-powered townhouses, each placed artfully against each other, creating a picturesque L-shaped development of affordable zero-energy homes. Designed by Street Monkey Architects, the houses use passive building principles and solar panels to generate all the energy they would need to function year-round. In addition, the exciting roofline of the development immediately caught our eye – in addition to its ability to generate solar energy.
Designer: Street Monkey Architects
Sufficiently insulated, almost airtight and provided with ventilation systems that retain a generous amount of heat, the row of dwellings is not only well equipped but also exhibits some variations and differences in its exterior. For example – the houses on the east-west side have a fantastic sawtooth roofline and are angled to catch as much sunlight as possible. They also have white plaster facades. While the residences on the north-south side have silver facades and wooden slats to further accentuate the visual variety. This creates a mix of homes that are visually interesting to look at, and that manage to contrast each other harmoniously. It also gives residents a sense of identity and assures them that their home has its own individual character and unique personality.
The two-story, 1,600-square-foot homes are almost entirely solar-powered, and the unused energy is stored in on-site batteries, which are later sold back to the grid. They come in the form of six modules with ready-made interiors. They are later built and connected, which provides a smooth development of housing, which easily transitions from one unit to another.
The interiors are beautiful, open and spacious. An airy aura radiates throughout the residences, with a kitchen on the ground floor opening onto the dining room which in turn leads to the living room. Two sets of glass doors in the living room, give you access to a terrace, which acts as a natural extension of the living room.
Steel stairs are supported by vertical wires, creating a suspended staircase, which leads you to three bedrooms, a bathroom and a family room upstairs.
The family room is one of my favorite spaces – a warm and minimalist area with natural wood floors and white walls – a great place to relax and connect with loved ones.
These solar homes are not only spacious, inviting and exquisitely designed, but they are also quite affordable. That’s the kind of modern and energy-efficient housing solutions we need in 2022!