The District of Tomorrow, the real life lab environment for the Dutch region Limburg, has opened its second building. It is design developed as a learning environment by students of Zuyd university, and constructed by pupils from local construction schools together with professional partners.
The Second house is an exergy-optimized house, consisting of three levels of apartments designed for older people to stay in their house as long as possible. Relevant features include large balconies (fit for beds rolling outside), and sliding doors. The building is designed as a 0-energy house with features like phase change materials, combined solar panels for electricity and hot water, and many other innovative components.
Another two buildings are in preparation together acting as a research facility for joint private sector and university groups. It is also part of several international cooperation projects such as Prague Technical University, where a similar project is being developed.
Ronald Rovers
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