Skilpod #48 Zero Energy

Geert Vanhertum

Skilpod Energy plus house Story by SKILPOD

Skilpod #48 Zero Energy Story by UAU Collectiv

Skilpod Energy plus house

• Architects

After building a lot of prototype buildings (Steel framing, wood skellet, eps building, steel-wood combo, …) they came into contact with CLT : Cross Laminated Timber. CLT is not cheap, but for our application it was a great construction method: extremely strong, good thermal properties, fast production, almost no cold bridges, easy to transport, stable construction (like lifting with cranes) and also it comes already in very nice interior finishing’s (so no need for plaster which easily cracks).

We until now we have produced about 40 Skilpod’s in CLT in our production facilities in Geel where we assemble these modules. We got a lot of national media attention and also some bigger partners/projects have approached us to work with Skilpod. Among of them is a social housing cooperation. For them we designed this new model: #48 Energy PLUS

This new Skilpod is 48m² (516 feet). The goal is to rent it out for singles, young starters and older people as the normal houses that they have are too big, also singles occupy the homes suited for larger families who are on long waiting lists.

It is a construction made completely from cross laminated timber and has amazing energy levels from zero energy to a negative energy level(-12) so it produces more than it consumes (solar panels, heat pumps, ventilation system with heat recuperation, automatic sunscreens, fully automized by home domotics, …) . Prices start at 59.900€ (ex vat). Newt to these projects we are also doing research together with the Flemish government to put these modules in the garden of the children so they can take care of the elderly parents so they don’t need to go to a retirement home.

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Geert Vanhertum

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• Architects

The growing demand for and interest in new forms of living together inspired a Belgian entrepreneurial duo to develop the product Skilpod. A Skilpod is a mobile and modular housing construction that attaches great importance to its energetic properties but that is also always searching for progressive and diverse designs. By means of modular architecture Skilpod searches for a combination of flexibility and energy efficiency. The module is completely built and finished in the Skilpod-studio and subsequently transported and placed on the site. As a result the Skilpod is also moveable to a new location at a later time. The housing constructions are built out of a timber frame structure of CLT, Cross Laminated Timber, and fully isolated with a layer of rock wool insulation. In a Skilpod all techniques can be integrated that are used in a traditional house or office.

Application of solar panels, heat pumps, ventilation systems, home automation systems etc. is possible, tailored to the user requirements. The modules can be viewed as an additional space and therefore their interpretation is very broad. Apart from an office or garden room the living or accommodation systems offer interesting possibilities within a particular demand for care. Following this philosophy of care the model #48 Energy PLUS was developed. The goal of this module of 48m² is being leased to single, young starters and elderly persons for whom traditional houses are too big. Alternatively there is also the possibility to place these modules as an extension of an existing house in the garden in order to provide a semi-autonomous unit for non-self-sufficient elderly, disabled young adults,... . In addition to the standard modules, finally, the possibility also exists to opt for custom work.

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Brand description

Etymology: Hebrew, 'vav' Romance, transl. ENG: 'wow' 'world of wonders', exclamation of surprise UAU is a palindrome that radiates power; it indicates the power & passion that the different disciplines bring together in 1 collective. At the end of 2014 the 3 architectural firms MASSarchitects (Massimo Pignanelli, Hasselt), DAR architects (Joris Diliën, Houthalen) and SAQ architects (Frederik Vaes, Brussels) decided to unite their complementary creativity and experiences and to work together as one firm. Today this association is a fact. Michel Janssens was attracted to shape the association and will join us as CFO to set the lines of 'UAU'collectiv. The new offices are located at the Blauwe Boulevard in Hasselt. In total 15 architects will be working there. Complementary competences and experience The three architectural associations have a long experience in different domains, and join forces in order to be able to respond to clients' demands more quickly and in a customised manner, as well as to be able to cope with larger projects and to raise the general quality to an even higher level. Massimo Pignanelli is strongly anchored in Hasselt. Various projects by his hand are known in the city centre of Hasselt. Massimo has always focused on wide-ranging design disciplines, where various levels are addressed and internal-external feedback is indispensable. In this way he has already created numerous villas, catering, loft and retail projects and interiors with an iconic serene look, inside and outside Limburg. The intention is to further explore this diversity within the new collective. Frederik Vaes is an internationally oriented architect, who has proven himself through the Bikini Berlin project that was recently visited with VOLKA, Netwerk Vastgoed department. The last couple of years Frederik has been able to focus on various leisure and retail projects in capital cities such as London, New York and Brussels. His strategic vision and specialised experience provide the new collective with an extra dimension. Massimo and Frederik are participating in the realisation of the new city hall of Hasselt, where they are part of the design team HASSALINK, which includes architectural firms Jaspers-Eyers and Michel Janssen. The merger of both these dynamics, combined with Joris Diliën's years of expertise and knowledge, makes the 'UAU'collectiv a new and adept partner in Limburg's architectural world. Joris shaped numerous large-scale residential and retail projects in an urban context in a cooperation with leading partners in terms of project development. One of his most recent projects are the buildings on the outer ring road of Hasselt, where Krëfel is located. The fourth 'leg' in the association is Michel Janssens, trained in marketing and accountancy. For 15 years he has worked for renowned multinationals in sales positions. In 2010 he focussed on the guidance of liberal professions, on a financial as well as a corporate level. Michel forms the backbone of the new collective and will provide the necessary peace and quiet within the continuous stream of creative processes. 'UAU'-World of Wonders The name of the new association is 'UAU'collectiv, pronounced as 'WOW'. It has a Romance origin, and is an exclamation of surprise. UAU is a palindrome that radiates power; it indicates the power & passion that the different disciplines bring together in 1 collective. Expansion and development “For us the new collective has to become a creative platform and think-tank. We want to make flexible buildings for government, companies as well as private individuals. Commercial projects deserve an upgrade as well. A building has to be strong and radiate power. The collective allows us to work in a solid organisation, where everyone receives recognition, freedom and respect, and can fully develop. The purpose is complementarity: each architect will have the same approach and contact with his clients as before. For them, little will change. But because of the expansion we can work with more corporate discipline, complement and strengthen each other, so that the end result, of any project, be it big or small, will only get better." Blauwe Boulevard The new office is located on the Kunstlaan, number 18b3; an inspiring environment. The reception of clients and contacts will happen in an original manner, where everyone will immediately feel 'at home'. Would you like to get acquainted? Contact us on the number +32 11 800940 - +32 477 191502