Tiny houses have long provided a ground for creative experimentation for designers. They range from ultra-minimalist concepts to affordable 3D printed homes, including fully electric and battery-powered models. But a Dutch prototype is pushing the limits of this market even further by proposing a revolutionary idea: a small house made from an old wind turbine.
An innovative prototype presented at Dutch Design Week
“Most parts of a wind turbine (foundation, mast, gearbox elements and generator) are made of metal or concrete and therefore easily recyclable,” explains the Vattenfall website. “Steel, for example, can be melted down and reused, but the downside is that this uses a lot of energy and creates emissions. »
To address this concern, Vattenfall teamed up with the Dutch Design Foundation's design lab last year, asking designers in the region to answer a key question: “What if a decommissioned wind turbine could become a mine gold resources? »
Rotterdam-based Superuse Studios submitted the idea for a small house, which eventually came to fruition.
The prototype, with an interior surface of 35 m²is the result of a collaboration between the European renewable energy company Waterfall and the collective of architects Superuse Studios.
Presented for the first time at the Dutch Design Week (October 19 to 27, 2024), this turbine-turned-house illustrates a striking example of material reuse, a practice that becomes essential as wind turbines reach the end of their life cycle.
Extend the lifespan of aging infrastructure
Vattenfall is aiming for a fossil-free future by 2040, with 87% of its production already coming from renewable sources in 2023. However, the company faces a major challenge: managing aging wind turbines, whose lifespan is generally short. 'about 20 years old.
The problem of wind turbines at the end of their life
–Growing quantities of waste : Vattenfall estimates that 5,000 wind turbines will have to be dismantled every year around the world for the next two years.
–Materials that are difficult to recycle : Wind turbines measure more than 90 meters highwith a complex structure including a nacelle (control box), blades, concrete and steel. Although metals and concrete are recyclable, these processes require high energy consumption and generate significant emissions.
To address this challenge, Vattenfall collaborated with the Dutch Design Foundation, calling on designers to explore circular solutions. Superuse Studios came up with an innovative idea: transforming a decommissioned wind turbine into a small house.
Transforming a turbine into a house: a major challenge
The prototype uses the nacelle of a model wind turbine 2 MW V80previously installed in the Gols wind farm in Austria. This gondola, 10 meters long, 4 meters wide and 3 meters highhas been transformed into a compact but functional house.
Processing stages
–Dismantling and preparation : The company Business in Wind removed interior parts and recycled unusable components.
–Transport : Due to its size and weight, the basket required a special truck to move it.
–Interior design : Superuse Studios modified the space to respect the Dutch small house standardsparticularly in terms of lighting, insulation and security.
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Characteristics of the wind-powered Tiny-house
Despite the challenges, the prototype offers everything needed for a comfortable life.
Interior design
–Bathroom : Features a fully functional toilet and shower.
–Cuisine : Equipped with a sink and a stove.
–Living space : Includes a sofa bed.
–Air conditioning : An electric heat pump regulates the temperature.
Energy and sustainability
–Solar panels : Installed on the roof for autonomous power supply.
–Two-way connection for electric vehicles : Allows you to charge a vehicle or use its energy inside.
Materials : Light wood panels add an aesthetic touch to the interior.
A promising future for small wind houses
For now, this prototype is unique. Although Vattenfall has no plans to mass produce it, it could pave the way for new initiatives. According to Thomas Hjortdirector of innovation at Vattenfall:
“It would be possible to build 2,000 small houses per year for five years using this model. This could become a real commercial activity. »
During Dutch Design Week, the concept has already aroused great interest among visitors. Superuse Studios is exploring the possibility of developing this project on a larger scale.
Conclusion: An idea that combines innovation and sustainability
Although this project is still in its early stages, it demonstrates the potential for reusing materials from a sustainable perspective. Transforming aging infrastructure like wind turbines into functional habitats could be an ecological and economical solution to a growing problem.
“We don’t know if this project will succeed or not? “, says Hjort from Vattenfall. “But what we are saying is that this is a real opportunity. It arouses interest. »
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