Energy Positive

Snøhetta's architects spent a year mapping the way solar radiation bounces around the site's mountainous terrain as part of the planning for the Svart hotel

Architecture

Snøhetta's ring-shaped Svart to be the Arctic Circle's first energy-positive hotel

The firm behind Europe's first underwater restaurant has shared designs for an energy-positive hotel in the Arctic Circle, the first of its kind. Snøhetta's sustainable Svart hotel takes advantage of its spectacular surroundings by hosting guests in a ring-shaped structure with panoramic views.

The shape of the structure is like that of a lean-to, with one large sloping face covered in solar panels

Architecture

Solar shelter shines a light on refugee integration

One of the problems that can arise when providing housing for asylum seekers is that communities can see a burden, but not necessarily a benefit. The SolarCabin refugee shelter is designed to tackle this, with a large solar array used to produce electricity that can help power the local area.

The Solcer House's energy-positive status is achieved by way of reduced energy demand, renewable energy supply and storing energy for later use

Architecture

Smart low-carbon Solcer House generates more electricity than it uses

A Welsh university claims to have built the UK’s first low cost, low-carbon, energy-positive house. The Solcer House was built by Cardiff University’s Solcer Project, part of the LCRI Programme (Low Carbon Research Institute).

The Archiblox Archi+ Carbon Positive House produces more energy than it uses

Architecture

Archiblox prefab home uses "a fraction" of the energy it generates

Prefab houses can be quick and affordable to build. Now, a prefab house from Australian architects Archiblox promises the additional benefit of generating more energy than it uses. The Archi+ Carbon Positive House has a variety of sustainability features, including a green roof and a solar array.

Behnisch Architekten says its design for the EpiCenter Expansion in Boston may make it the largest commercial energy-positive building on the US east coast (Image: Behnisch Architekten)

Architecture

Boston’s first LEED Platinum building to become energy positive

A high-sustainability design has been released for an expanded building in the US. Behnisch Architekten says that Boston's EpiCenter will become the largest energy-positive commercial building in New England and perhaps on the East Coast. The building will house youth charity Artists for Humanity.