HYBRID | HOUSE
Syracuse, NY

HYBRID HOUSE is a proposal to create to create an innovative, cost-efficient, and sustainable single-family home. Modeled after the successful Prius Hybrid automobile by the Toyota Motor Company, HYBRID HOUSE is intended to be an electric house completely off the local utility grid. By manipulating the surface area for maximum
solar exposure and utilizing thin battery packs embedded the foundation slab, HYBRID HOUSE converts the sun into AC current to run all of the utilities of the house. In the event of cloudy or snowy days, a bio-fuel back up generator kicks in to allow seamless power utilization.

Facades are angled to maximize solar and water harvesting. The sun facing exterior surfaces are covered by a single roofing membrane coated in a photovoltaic (PV) film, which converts solar radiation into electricity. The power generated by the PV skin is stored in deep cycle batteries located in the floor slab. During sunny conditions,
the skin produces enough electricity to meet all of the electrical needs of HYBRID HOUSE, as well as a surplus, which is stored in additional reserve batteries. In the absence of sunlight the batteries are charged in part by a biofuel generator located in a utility shed. The shade facing facades are covered in a “cool roof” single-ply membrane.
The rubber membrane sheds water from rainfall into a water catchment system, for re-use in grey water systems, such as toilets, as well as for irrigation of the exterior yard. The rear utility shed acts as the mechanical room, containing the electric converters and bio-fuel generator.

The lofty height of the interior creates a “stack effect”, with hot air rising above the common areas before being re-conditioned or expelled. Electrical venting skylights at the ceiling open to expel accumulated hot air during the summer months, while admitting warming sunlight into the space during the winter months. Hot air and cold air are mechanically introduced at the floor level through a displacement ventilation system.