ECO VIDAL DESIGN
ECO VIDAL DESIGN
Construction Management
Architecture + Interiors
Sustainability + Educational Projects
Piracicaba, Brazil | Sustainable Residence
The 1,800 square foot home was built with the most common brick and tile of the area.
The main structural wood beams, windows, doors and the recycled brick living room floors come from demolition sites. All interior finishes, such as the bamboo ceilings (for insulation) and the polished concrete floors (easy to clean in a rural area) are energy efficient and practical for the area weather.
Passive design features include:
- The house orientation takes advantage of the views and large windows for natural light.
- Bedrooms are oriented to the east and south for cooler sun exposure.
- Living spaces, the open-kitchen layout and mezzanine were designed with double ceiling heights and fans for better air circulation.
- Ample verandas to the north and west protect the house from hot sun exposure in Brazil.
- All stormwater is contained on site with appropriate native vegetation and bioswales.
- The house originally had solar panels for hot water in bathrooms and kitchens and more recently the house has become energy self-sufficient, a “net-zero” energy home, with photovoltaic panels covering 50% of the roof and providing 100% of the electricity and hot water. The swimming pool is heated at a constant 26 degrees Celsius with photovoltaic panels all year long.