Location: Wetzikon, Switzerland.

Architect: arento AG, ertex solartechnik GmbH, Felix & Co. AG.

What appears to be a seemingly typical family home is actually a tiny, independent power plant. The Swiss business arento AG’s architects had a vision for an all-encompassing, energy-self-sufficient, and ecological dwelling, and the end result is unique.

The structure offers ten apartments totalling about 1.705 m2 spread across five storeys, all of which are outfitted with the most recent technology. This home’s overall concept includes a number of mechanisms in order to make it energy self-sufficient. The structure has two photovoltaic systems put on it, to start. On the rooftop, one photovoltaic system was installed. The second system’s modules are dispersed across the building’s façade and balconies.

The combined output of the two systems is about 68.272 kilowatt-hours annually. Due to the estimated 40.700 kilowatt-hour usage by households, there is still enough solar energy to input it into the electrical system. Because of this, the building boasts a remarkable 60% level of self-sufficiency. The addition of an energy storage system in the home’s basement boosted this self-sufficiency. This storage device also makes it possible to use solar power at night or on overcast days. A geothermal heat pump provides the building with heating during the winter. The heating efficiency has enhanced as a result of the pipes being installed through the walls rather than the ground as is typical in buildings.