From Off-grid to Smart Architecture – Autonomy and Connection

Off-grid and ‘smart’ architecture seemingly constitute two very different design approaches. Off-grid thinking emphasises complete self-sufficiency, without relying on external utilities and connections to electricity, water or gas. By contrast, smart buildings are typically associated with embedding technology to automate and control various aspects of operation, whether that be lighting, sound, temperature, security or even appliances. Nonetheless, both concepts connect in their emphasis on autonomy and represent two increasingly important design typologies due to the potential of rapidly advancing technology.

To move off the grid without sacrificing comfort and control requires knowledge of renewable energy sources and sustainable practices. While smart buildings also require technical knowledge to install and maintain, off-grid architecture takes a holistic approach that considers parameters such as energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials and waste management to create a fully self-sustaining experience.

Anderson Architecture’s Off Grid House in New South Wales exemplifies the need for well-considered design and technical foresight through detailed research and development. With renewable energy systems at its core, but also a deep under-standing of local climate, site conditions, layout and materiality, the design highlights the importance of bringing together high-tech and low-tech thinking at the off-grid scale. Director Simon Anderson states that “there was a significant amount of high-tech thermal modelling carried out during the design stage to make the home as energy efficient as possible, but not at the expense of the architecture. This efficiency in turn reduces the heating, cooling and electrical loads critical to off-grid living and the restrictions in battery sizes.” Off Grid House demonstrates that, while digital technology is becoming increasingly embedded in architectural fabric, the in-depth systems thinking required to achieve a high-quality off-grid design means a building can be smart without overt techno-connection.

Nonetheless, a smart building is usually analogous with being high-tech and digital, optimising a building to adapt to its inhabitants and, in doing so, aiming to make life easier whether the technology is visible or invisible. Building automation can offer the possibility for heightened sustainability in alignment with an off-grid philosophy, for example by using home systems such as smart heating and cooling that collide comfort with efficiency. Witta Circle by Shaun Lockyer Architects demonstrates the capacity to subtly build ideals into sophisticated design. Hidden within the lush framework are controllable systems for integrated lighting, music, security, curtains and more. There is even a communications room in the basement of the home, which allowing the client to see what is happening at all times and from anywhere.

Off Grid House demonstrates that, while digital technology is becoming increasingly embedded in architectural fabric, the in-depth systems thinking required to achieve a high-quality off-grid design means a building can be smart without overt techno-connection.

As knowledge and technology continue to disseminate, it will become increasingly possible for smart architecture to achieve the status of off-grid, with careful planning needed to ensure that the smart technology is powered by renewable energy sources rather than relying on grid power. Additionally, the energy generated from these sources could then need to be stored in batteries and could function alongside energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting and other technologies that reduce consumption for a truly off-grid experience. At a fundamental level, a smart building should simply be a design that is equipped with technology that can automate tasks, optimise energy use and improve overall functionality. Sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, passive solar heating and natural ventilation solutions may not involve advanced technology, but they can still be considered smart because they are designed to improve the efficiency and functionality of a building.

Breathe’s Four Pillars project in Healesville, Victoria, is the first gin distillery in Australia to achieve carbon neutrality and is a powerful representation of combining technical and environmental thinking into a single operation. There are three key moves employed at the site to reduce carbon emissions, which include running on 100 per cent renewable electricity with a 100-kilowatt solar system, saving 29 tonnes in glass bottles a year by piping gin directly from the main bar to the bottling line and sourcing kegged tonic, as well as ‘veiling’ the distillery in copper tubing, which works as a natural heat exchanger to reduce energy consumption, and saving over 20,000 litres of water daily. “The Four Pillars team used smart technology to tie all of these elements together into a functional, elegant and sustainable destination distillery,” Design Director Jeremy McLeod describes.

Building automation can offer the possibility for heightened sustainability in alignment with an off-grid philosophy, for example by using home systems such as smart heating and cooling that collide comfort with efficiency.

Both off-grid living and smart design need a level of careful planning, tenacity and expertise to execute successfully. Such buildings become a project of collaboration between a team of specific knowledge holders, from an electrical consultant, sustainability consultant and even automation consultant. As such, many minds have a role to play alongside architectural design to choose the best equipment and most reliable processes for a truly personalised result. While off-grid and smart architecture outwardly represent different approaches, they both need collective dedication to achieve and share similarities in their focus on self-sufficiency, sustainability, technical knowledge and control of the built environment.