Active House: Smart Nearly Zero Energy Buildings

The book provides an overview of the Active House (AH) vision, intended as a building design method "beyond" the passive approach for buildings of the future that will be more and more connected, smart and innovative. It offers a novel philosophical design approach in which buildings, new or renovated, are in balance with natural, renewable energies and become "concentrators-distributors" of energies instead of being consumers of resources. The book is composed of five chapters, providing information on fundamental aspects of innovations toward resource-efficient buildings, as well as case studies presenting the concept in practice. It demonstrates that a completely new design approach is possible, and that a turning point has been reached. Lastly, it shows how the AH Alliance, along with designers, institutions, industries and academies, is bringing a breath of fresh air to the world of construction.

The book provides an overview of the Active House (AH) vision, intended as a building design method &quote;beyond&quote; the passive approach for buildings of the future that will be more and more connected, smart and innovative. It offers a novel philosophical design approach in which buildings, new or renovated, are in balance with natural, renewable energies and become &quote;concentrators-distributors&quote; of energies instead of being consumers of resources. The book is composed of five chapters, providing information on fundamental aspects of innovations toward resource-efficient buildings, as well as case studies presenting the concept in practice. It demonstrates that a completely new design approach is possible, and that a turning point has been reached. Lastly, it shows how the AH Alliance, along with designers, institutions, industries and academies, is bringing a breath of fresh air to the world of construction.

What is an Active House? A new vision beyond 2020.- A new paradigm for holistic design: Active House prototypes at Politecnico di Milano.- A reflection on Active House in warm climates.- nZEB and AH: a case study for residential buildings in Northern Italy.- Relevant case studies: a benchmark for future design.