A study and design on sustainable technologies for houses and social interaction

Recently, winning gas in the north of The Netherlands has resulted in earthquakes, damaging houses in its surroundings. This resulted in sustainability becoming an important topic in building houses. Research within sustainable technologies has been performed to gain insight into products that could be used for a concept house design. The latter provided by the design company. This involved desk research, expert interviews and using a variant of selection methods. Another part of the project involved designing the area around the houses, where a community feeling should be present and people are communicating with one another. This, because it positively influences the physical and mental health of humans. Research has been performed on social interaction, influencing people's behavior and social areas. A literature review provided insight on how to encourage people to form a community and how nature and the concept of sharing can contribute to successful communal spaces. The result of the assignment became a selection of sustainable technology products for the concept house, together with an appealing surrounding that contains factors to promote social interaction and creates a desired community feeling. The design has been evaluated by an expert, who provided feedback on the concept design together with future design recommendations.