Rodiou-Jessen residence
Aghia Faneromeni, island of Aegina
Identity A permanent residence, located in Aghia
Faneromeni, Aegina, surrounded by open land of pistachio trees and enjoying
breathtaking views of the sunset behind the island of Moni.
Organization The house is organized in two buildings: the
guest house and the house proper. The house consists of two parts: the single
story part with the bedrooms and kitchen/dining, and the two storey part
with the living and office. The house has a basement for storage and other
uses.
Materials Concrete cast in place with stone masonry construction,
fully insulated. Part of the stone was excavated from the land.
'Green' design This is a fully 'green' house. It has been
designed and oriented based on the sun path, the southern facade has integral
pergolas that shade the house in the summer, and its narrow depth allows
for natural lighting and natural ventilation throughout.
The house has an underground water cistern, like the old Aegina traditional
houses, as Aegina has water supply problems. Sometimes in the summer, water
supply cannot meet demand. The water cistern collects approx. 30-40 cubic
meters of water annually, which is used to water the 4,000 sq.meter garden.
The house is fully insulated and has thermo-break wooden windows and doors.
It is naturally ventiallated and cooled by geothermy - instead of air conditioning.
The house has two energy fireplaces for winter heating, burning biomass
(tree logs). Water is heated by two flat-mounted solar heating panels on
the roof.
Design process commenced in 2004. Construction was completed in 2008.
In 2008 the house was selected to be studied by a student of architecture
in the UK, who will monitor its energy conservation performance. The results
will be posted on this webpage.