Positive Home combines an airtight envelope, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), controlled ventilation, and 10 kW of photovoltaics with battery storage to achieve near-zero energy consumption. It also integrates water recycling and solar design, offering a replicable model of sustainable housing.
The Positive Home, designed by ERA Architects near Barcelona, is a benchmark in sustainable housing as the first in Spain to achieve Passive House PLUS certification, featuring a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure and integrated water management systems. Its energy strategy combines several layers: a highly insulated, airtight envelope that minimises thermal losses, alongside a design optimising solar gain. This is complemented by a 10 kW photovoltaic system with battery storage, bringing the home close to energy self-sufficiency.
The choice of CLT not only reduces the carbon footprint but also shortens construction time, proving that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand. In addition, controlled ventilation and heat pumps for climate control ensure comfort with minimal consumption (9.4 kWhpe/m²·year).
A notable feature is the integration of greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting, addressing water scarcity in the region and reinforcing the project’s holistic vision. More than an efficient house, it is a replicable model combining technology, design, and environmental responsibility.
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