THE WIND HOUSE

Jin Taira
The University of Tokyo, Japan

Lanzarote's grape yards have develop a unique
method. Farmers have dig thousands of holes
of small hollows into the 11/2 metre thick layer
of 'picon' (porous volcanic granules that trap
 moisture) and planted vines in the volcanic

ash that lies beneath. In order to protect the Vines from the Trade Winds, they have  then built small semi-circular walls around each of these hollows.
The house is located in a mild slope of a Vineyard. This house takes advantage of the sun and winds
orientations providing a weekend shelter and a energy supply system for the house and the Vineyard
requirements provided by a micro-wind turbines wall. The house is buried in the soil and has a doughnut
plan surrounding a interior garden. The two entrances are provided by two ramps. The floor follows
the site inclination, creating a continuous dynamic space interrupted by the horizontality of normal
usage. Kitchen-Dinning- Living areas have open views towards the landscape. Slope down, the
house gain in intimacy for the rooms and wet-areas.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES:
A- ENVIRONMENT ADAPTATION STRATEGY
The house is buried in a mild slope. Protected from the strong winds, as the grape yards of
Lanzarote.
B- PASIVE THERMAL CONDITIONING
The buried house in a dry environment, is cool in summer and warm in winter. Lanzarote's temperature
average is 20C.
C- ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
The house is built using lava stone, a common material in the volcanic island of Lanzarote.
D- REUSE WATER SYSTEM: AEROBIC LAGOONS
Three lagoons recycle the black and grey water for reuse in the grape yard, toilets and the house
garden.
E- ENERGY SAFE: EOLIC TURBINES WALL
A wall of micro- wind turbines, provides the energy supply and reduce the visual impact of big pro -
pellers.
F- COMPOST GARDEN
LOCATION: GRAPE YARD IN LANZAROTE/ CANARY ISLANDS/ SPAIN
CLIENT: MR. CARLOS
PROGRAM: WEEKEND HOUSE
DESIGN: JIN TAIRA
THE WIND HOUSE