The Edgeland House is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture, combining innovation, environmental consciousness, and energy efficiency. Built by Bercy Chen Studio, this modern marvel is a shining example of how technology can harmoniously blend with nature. From its 7ft pit excavation to the green roof and geothermal systems, every detail of its construction is meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency.
What is Edgeland House?
A Unique Architectural Gem
The Edgeland House is more than just a home—it’s a statement. Inspired by Native American pit houses, one of the oldest forms of shelter in North America, this house is a modern interpretation of an age-old concept. It sits partially underground, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, and is designed to work with nature rather than against it.
Location and Environmental Purpose
Located on a rehabilitated brownfield site in Austin, Texas, Edgeland House is a testament to sustainable land use. Brownfields are previously industrial or contaminated sites that can be repurposed for new developments. By building on such land, the project minimizes the need for new environmental disruption.
Architectural Integration with the Landscape
The house is designed to integrate into its natural surroundings. With its low profile and green roof, it almost disappears into the landscape, leaving behind only a minimal footprint. This design restores the land’s natural slope, integrating it into the ecosystem rather than standing out as a foreign structure.
The 7ft Pit Excavation Technique
Historical Inspiration: The Pit House Concept
The pit house concept, which inspired the Edgeland House, dates back thousands of years. Native Americans used partially buried structures to take advantage of the earth’s natural insulation, creating homes that stayed warm in winter and cool in summer.
How Edgeland House Uses the 7ft Excavation
The 7-foot-deep excavation in Edgeland House is a modern reinterpretation of the pit house. By embedding the structure into the ground, the house leverages the earth’s thermal mass to naturally regulate indoor temperatures. This technique ensures a consistent, comfortable climate year-round with minimal reliance on external energy sources.
Thermal Mass Benefits
The thermal mass of the surrounding earth stabilizes indoor temperatures. In summer, the house remains cool as the ground absorbs heat. In winter, the earth retains warmth, reducing the need for artificial heating. This results in significant energy savings and a smaller carbon footprint.
Challenges in Excavation
Building a home below ground level comes with unique challenges. Excavating a 7-foot-deep pit requires careful planning to prevent issues like water seepage and soil instability. Engineers addressed these challenges by using advanced drainage systems and reinforced materials to ensure the structure’s longevity.
Insulative Green Roof Benefits
What is a Green Roof?
A green roof is a layer of vegetation planted on top of a building. It provides insulation, reduces energy consumption, and restores the natural ecosystem. In Edgeland House, the green roof plays a critical role in its sustainability strategy.
Dual Purpose: Insulation and Environmental Restoration
The green roof in Edgeland House serves two primary purposes:
- Insulation: The layer of soil and plants on the roof helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer. In summer, it prevents excessive heat from entering the home, while in winter, it retains warmth inside.
- Environmental Restoration: The roof is planted with native species, helping to restore the local ecosystem and biodiversity. This design not only benefits the environment but also creates a visually stunning, living landscape.
Temperature Regulation in Collaboration with Thermal Mass
The green roof works in harmony with the earth’s thermal mass, creating a highly efficient temperature regulation system. Together, they reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, making the house extremely energy-efficient.
Maintenance and Long-Term Durability
While green roofs require periodic maintenance, such as watering and pruning, they are highly durable when designed correctly. The green roof on Edgeland House is engineered to withstand the Texas climate, ensuring its longevity and functionality.
Geothermal and Hydronic Heating Systems
How Geothermal Technology Works
Geothermal heating taps into the earth’s stable underground temperatures to heat and cool the home. Pipes are buried underground to circulate a heat-transfer fluid, which absorbs or releases heat depending on the season.
Hydronic Heating: A Perfect Pairing
Edgeland House also uses a hydronic heating system, where water is heated and circulated through pipes embedded in the floors. This system distributes heat evenly, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
By combining geothermal and hydronic systems, Edgeland House achieves exceptional energy savings. These systems are powered by renewable energy, reducing the home’s reliance on fossil fuels and cutting utility costs.
Environmental Benefits
Geothermal systems are incredibly eco-friendly, as they emit no greenhouse gases during operation. They also use significantly less electricity compared to traditional HVAC systems, making them a sustainable choice for modern homes.
Sustainable Design and Environmental Impact
Minimal Land Disturbance
The design of Edgeland House prioritizes minimal land disturbance. By rehabilitating a brownfield site and building partially underground, the project preserves the natural landscape and reduces its environmental footprint.
Collaboration with Ecological Institutions
Bercy Chen Studio collaborated with organizations like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to ensure the project aligned with ecological preservation goals. This partnership helped guide the selection of native plants for the green roof, creating a habitat for local wildlife.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
The house’s combination of geothermal heating, a green roof, and energy-efficient design significantly reduces its carbon footprint. By relying on renewable energy and sustainable materials, Edgeland House sets a standard for eco-friendly construction.
Lessons and Takeaways for Modern Home Builders
Key Lessons from Edgeland House
- Incorporate Nature: Integrating natural elements such as green roofs and thermal mass can create energy-efficient, sustainable homes.
- Think Long-Term: While systems like geothermal heating have higher upfront costs, they offer long-term savings and environmental benefits.
- Adapt to Your Environment: Design strategies should be tailored to the local climate and landscape.
Practical Tips for Builders
- Research Soil Conditions: Ensure that the ground can support excavation and geothermal systems.
- Choose Native Plants: For green roofs, select plants that are native to the area for better growth and ecosystem support.
- Plan for Maintenance: Sustainable systems like green roofs and geothermal heating require periodic care but are worth the effort.
Edgeland House FAQ
What is the Edgeland House?
The Edgeland House is a modern architectural project designed by Bercy Chen Studio. It is located in Austin, Texas, on a rehabilitated brownfield site. The house is a modern reinterpretation of the Native American pit house, one of the oldest housing typologies in North America. Its design emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and integration with the natural landscape.
What inspired the design of the Edgeland House?
The design of the Edgeland House was inspired by Native American pit houses, which were partially buried structures that used the earth’s thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. The house also draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and the idea of creating a structure that blends seamlessly with nature. The collaboration with the client, a science fiction writer, also influenced the futuristic and angular design of the home.
Where is the Edgeland House located?
The Edgeland House is located in east Austin, Texas, on a rehabilitated brownfield site. Brownfields are previously industrial or contaminated areas that have been cleaned up and repurposed for new developments. This location was chosen to minimize environmental disturbance and restore the natural slope of the land .
What are the key features of the Edgeland House?
The Edgeland House incorporates several innovative features, including:
- 7ft Pit Excavation: The house is partially buried, leveraging the earth’s thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures.
- Green Roof: A layer of vegetation on the roof provides insulation and restores the natural ecosystem.
- Geothermal and Hydronic Heating Systems: These systems maximize energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Two Pavilions: The house is divided into two separate pavilions—one for living spaces and the other for sleeping quarters.
How does the 7ft pit excavation benefit the house?
The 7ft pit excavation is a modern adaptation of the pit house concept. By embedding the house into the ground, it takes advantage of the earth’s thermal mass, which helps stabilize indoor temperatures. This means the house stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling systems.
What is the purpose of the green roof?
The green roof serves multiple purposes:
- Insulation: It helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer.
- Ecosystem Restoration: The roof is planted with native vegetation, supporting local biodiversity and restoring the natural landscape.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The green roof allows the house to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it almost invisible from certain angles.
How does the geothermal and hydronic heating system work?
The geothermal system uses underground pipes to harness the earth’s stable temperatures for heating and cooling. The hydronic heating system circulates heated water through pipes embedded in the floors, providing efficient and even heating throughout the home. Together, these systems reduce energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
