Phi Suea House

Energy Saving

The Phi Suea House is 100% self-sustainable. In order to efficiently manage the energy collected by our hydrogen storage system, it is important that we integrate environmentally sound principles at every stage of the project.

Energy Efficient Construction Materials

We ran product simulations to gain a thorough understanding of the materials’ environmental impact. Below is a sample of the materials, chosen to maintain a lowest possible carbon footprint.

Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks (Qcon)

HDPE Pipe - reduced maintenance

Insulated double glass Low E coat

Handcraft wood working

Solar Cell Panels

Heat insulated window frame

Energy Smart Architecture & Design

By integrating energy-efficient systems and designs, not only do we reduce our long-term carbon footprint, but also facilitate the maintenance of our environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Windflow System

Open-air vents in the buildings maximize the building’s air circulation, while taking advantage of Thailand’s monsoon.

Maintenance Basement

A sealed and protected 1.65 m high maintenance basement, under the entire main house, allows easy access to piping and wiring maintenance.

KNX Automation

An international barrier-free building control system is installed for increased convenience and energy saving potential.

Solar Water Heating System

To warm up water for bathroom and kitchen-use, we harness direct heat from the sun. The hot water system works by circulating water in a tank through solar thermal collectors. The insulated system can hold water at over 80˙C for several days.

Water Management

We installed a complete drainage system to collect as much top level water as possible allowing the remnants from the garden irrigation to flow back into our water system. Throughout each step of the process, we clean and filter the water as much as possible.

Collection & Treatment for Irrigation

Water is collected through a drainage system around the residence. It converges in a conveyance system that transports water from around the site to the central filtration system.

The central filtration system located beneath the pool and beach volleyball court collects, treats and stores water for irrigation.

Permaculture

We combined various strategies to minimize the impact on the land, while maximizing its regeneration and resourcefulness.

Plant Nursery & Vegetable Garden

The plant nursery reaps greater yield from the seedlings and encourages growth after out-planting.

Carefully selected local plants have been landscaped around the houses. Our garden grows local fruit and vegetables.

Rice field terraces also grow and create an ecological growth cycle for the regeneration of the ground and organic growth of the field’s crop.

Fishpond

The fishpond provides the perfect breeding ground for local fish and creates a welcoming environment for our ducks and geese.

What used to be a hole overgrown with weed was transformed into a fully organic solar-powered fishpond.

The 600m³ fishpond is designed following a fully organic approach that combines our power and water management systems. A solar-pump pumps water from the waterfall into the upper pond. The water runs down through the rocky waterway into the lower pond. Gravity pushes the water into a filter under the Bamboo Sala and then through a filtering system. After the water has moved through the sediment and natural coral filters, it flows back along the pipes, and into the waterfall. The filtering system and natural aeration oxygenates and cleans the water for the fish.

During Thailand’s heavy rainfall the pond also acts as a rainwater collection system, complimenting the various water collection points around the property. The over-flowing water is transported to the main water storage system under the beach volleyball court.

Sustainability