Lotus House; the 3D printed solar house

As part of the Solar Decathlon China 2018 competition, students designed and built a 3D printed solar house called the Lotus House. The Chinese symbol of purity, the lotus flower, inspired this house designed to achieve optimum energy efficiency.

The main objective of the Solar Decathlon China 2018 competition is to build a one- or two-story solar house containing all the necessary household appliances. Organised this time in Dezhou, it brings together several students who imagine an energy-efficient housing prototype. This year, a project stood out because of its use of 3D technologies. The Lotus House joins the many architectural initiatives that combine 3D printing and traditional methods.

The Lotus House from the sky

Lotus House and new technologies

The team from the University of Washington is the origin of this 3D printed house of 198 m2. It was realised in 8 months, though still in the prototype stage for the time being. Project Manager Kinga Pabjan explains, “We were inspired by the beauty, the delicacy and the cultural significance of the lotus. But we did not start with the lotus. Our initial intention was to use emerging technologies, particularly additive manufacturing, to create an organic form.“

She goes on to say that 3D printing has allowed them to create a lighter and more environmentally friendly structure. The technology reduces the use of materials and therefore waste. An advantage that particularly appealed to students given the initial objective of the competition.