There is no shortage of novelties. The above-mentioned square core – the service core – holds all the (maintenance)installations the occupants do not need to access daily. But they need to be able to access the core when necessary, and also remotely. The service core is made of steel and is part of the bearing construction. In a later phase, a combination with the STETS, which stands for Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage, might also be an option. The STETS is a water tank with a pipe system that is used for heat and cold storage.

With this unique foundation, Team CASA want to show that building without concrete is a very real option, Mourisse explains. “Thinking outside the box is essential to us. How can we combine and integrate techniques and use space and energy more efficiently that way? We also work together with business companies to realize innovative combinations. For example, our house has an integrated Energyroof from SolarTech that generates both electricity and heat. That heat can be stored underground and saved for later use. And the DUCO EcoBox extracts heat from ‘old’ ventilation air, which can then be used to heat the water from the faucets. Efficiency is the keyword.”

In the workplace, the team members show an intriguing pyramid made of steel tubes. “This is just a small part of the final construction,” Nguyên explains. In cooperation with TU/e’s Equipment & Prototype Center, also located in Matrix, Team CASA are optimizing the water storage and bearing for a next house. Originally, this construction was intended for CASA 1.0, but recent tests showed that too many adjustments need to be made, which isn’t feasible on short notice. A setback for the team, but this does not change the fact that the planning for the construction of CASA 1.0 is well underway. Mourisse: “We use prefab elements in order to keep our house affordable and flexible. That way, we can build a habitable house within a week. As we speak, we’re in the process of ordering the materials.”

The location has been determined already: CASA 1.0 will be one of the first houses in the new and future proof Brainport Smart District in Helmond-Brandevoort. Over the next few years, this enormous living lab, co-initiated by Dean of the Department of the Built Environment Elphi Nelissen (see text box) intends to integrate innovative technology, sustainability and participation in a social and attractive living environment. After a short period during which CASA 1.0 will function as a test house, the first occupants will be allowed to move in. Other CASA houses are expected to follow soon. Nguyên: “We just found out that we’ve received the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA). That will make it possible for us to build eight terraced houses that will be even more efficient. Hopefully with the intended STES foundation construction.”

The enthusiastic student team will be spending long hours at their workplace in the coming period. CASA 1.0 needs to be finished by early October and a next team has already started an entirely new project aimed at reusing materials from the Paviljoen buildings. In addition, the team is planning a Building Event to celebrate the official opening of CASA 1.0, because there has been enough talk about sustainability, green building and putting a halt to climate change, the members of Team CASA believe. “The building sector may be a slow-moving system, but we want to show the world that quick changes and innovative building initiatives are possible indeed,” says Nguyên.