zeroHouse Speaks To The Conservationist And The Romanticist

As if designing an energy-neutral, self-sustaining home for four was not enough for Scott Specht and Louise Harpman, of the NYC/Austin-based architectural firm Specht Harpman, the zeroHouse™ has even more appealing features... zeroHouse is prefabricated!

You say that prefab is not your style? Then perhaps you might be just a little tempted by these visions of where you can take zeroHouse by literally packing it up in an extra-large suitcase!

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Indeed the zeroHouse can be placed virtually anywhere, including in 10 feet of water and on hillsides with slopes up to 35 degrees, all due to its helical-anchor foundation that requires no excavation. And when you’re ready to move, you can literally pick up your stakes and go.

Energy, water, and waste? No problem for the zeroHouse. The solar panels generate all the power, which is stored in a battery for a week, just in case the sun does not wish to shine. The beautiful bay windows are heat-mirror glass that is triple-paned to provide extra insulation, and the zeroHouse collects its own rain water and filters it in four 550-gallon cisterns. Waste is collected in an automated composting unit and used to feed the garden once a year.

Automated? The whole house is automated and programmable to minimize electricity use. zeroHouse is even wired with sensors to communicate with your PC.

zeroHouse is only 650 square feet but, as designed, every inch of the space is utilized. It does look to be quite comfortable inside. "People think they need a bigger house, but they may just need a better designed one," Louise Harpman told the Austin Statesman. Below is the layout of the two-story zeroHouse:

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All of the zeroHouse electronics, construction materials, and fabrics are chosen for their durability as well as design appeal. Below are the living room and kitchen designs; color choice is wide.

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zeroHouse will sell for approximately $350,000. Any takers besides me?
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