Introduction
The idea to build a space house was originated in 1999, just after the massive earthquake at Izmit, in Turkey, 1999. Mr. Fritz Gampe, the Senior Technology Transfer Officer of ESA’s TTP or Technology Transfer Program realized and said why we do not try to build something totally safe from earthquake by the use of advanced technology we use in space! It is time now we should consider these avenues.
History
In August, 2004, the ESA or European Space Agency started its project for applying the concept used in space technology on earth to build space houses similar to the space stations in space. They first designed Neumayer-III, a new German research station to be based at Antarctica. The planning and the design were made within the strict environmental rules and regulation of the Antarctic region. The main component of the construction was carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic or more commonly known as CFRP that ESA or European Space Agency uses as a main construction material for building the structural body for the space ships, its solar panels and antennas. This material is very light in weight but strong enough to withstand every earthquake. This idea to use lightweight CFRP as the base component for construction is a sharp contrast to the contemporary architectural solutions that prefer strong and heavy materials like steel and concrete to resist earthquake.
The engineers of ESA came up with a stable, self sustained design in the shape of a sphere for Neumayer-III, the new German research station at Antarctica. The main advantage of the design was that the space house will stand on its long legs that will separate the house from all vibrations of earthquake. The main spherical body of the space house will be isolated and remain glided on its long legs over the ground of the earth and the house will remain free from most movements underneath. It can resist all earthquakes with intensity up to 7 Richter scale, heavy winds upto a speed of 220 Km / hour and flooding up to 3 meters.
The space house designed by European Space Agency is independent in nature. It is self sufficient on its own energy efficient solar power; advanced technology was initiated for its own cleaning and recycling water. It can clear itself from all pathogenic particles within its air.
Features
The design of the ESA was approved by the German authority for their Antarctic station. The factors of the ESA concept that they liked most were:
It met the strict Antarctic environment requirement;
The structure will never pollute the environment and completely disposable after use;
It is capable to withstand all practical unfavorable natural situations;
The lightweight spherical design of the space house will remain effective up to a snowfall of 1 meter per year, without sinking in to the ice.
It was designed by complying other rules of building making in the Antarctic region.
Tips and Comments
Space House, a Home of Tomorrow
The technology used by ESA to build this space house at Antarctica was appreciated by many buyers in the European housing markets. Although the European housing market is developed enough, it employs over 28% of its people with a turn over nearly 10% of its combined Gross Domestic Product-- it is still not that technology innovated. The space house with its protective features and modern amenities may become a home of many in the coming days.
