Heriot Watt University’s Organic, Resilient and Adaptable house – ORA, designed for the first ever Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) have been making commendable strides in its design development. With the innovative ‘Hybrid Barjeel’ – a passive cooling design solution integrated with optimized HVAC system and cutting edge hydroponics; a new alternative to conventional structural systems made out of thin cold form steel sections facilitating quick assembly, energy efficiency and 100% recyclability.
The critical spatial module that offers flexibility and multiplicity in its interiority and lifestyle requirements; and amongst many other innovative solutions, the ORA house is all set to be a key contender for the international design and build competition.
ORA house is designed by a multidisciplinary team of students and faculty comprising of Architects, Architectural Engineers, Interior Designers, Civil Engineering, Computer system engineers, Mechanical engineers and Students from the Renewable Energy and Engineering Program at Heriot-Watt University.
The team come together under the umbrella of a Super Studio with the primary aim of undertaking the challenging project submissions and design development. Assembly of the house will take place on site and the faculty and students will have a deadline to meet full completion.
With only 169 days left until the project is on site, the team is nearing completion of design development and moving into project execution. Some of the key collaborators for this project include Diamond Developers, Daikin, Trox Etc. Diamond Developers through their sustainability solutions arm SEENEXUS, have taken the initiative to assist the ORA team in its execution and construction planning.
In addition to which, Diamond developers has also offered a permanent home for the ORA house, post SDME competition at their successful and innovative residential development – The Sustainable City. ORA House will be at the heart of the community, surrounded by the urban farm, and the buildings of phase 2 which includes a hotel, a school, and an innovation centre. The sustainable development encourages communities to adopt sustainable and healthy lifestyles in the UAE.
The truly remarkable project ORA will be one of the largest design and build projects undertaken by Heriot Watt University.
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