23 November 2012

'Kickstart' appeal for UK's first renewable-powered, zero-energy building

picture shows image of the planned building

A group of University of Dundee students are appealing for help in their quest to design and build the UK's first self-built, zero energy, off-grid building.

The Macro Micro Studio is a 50m2 building which is to be set in the city's Botanic Garden.

The project is completely student-led, with the design and build being carried out by those involved with the Macro Micro research unit, a Masters Unit in Architecture at the University.

The project has thus far been funded through 'in-kind' donations from manufacturers, which have generated contributions valuing in excess of £140,000. Now the team need raise an additional £30,000 of capital to see the project through.

"We have started a cloud funding application on Kickstarter which seeks public donations from as little as £1 up to £5000," said Dean Crosley, one of the students involved in the project. "We have £1524 donated to date and have 20 days left to raise the remaining funds. There are a number of kickbacks for donations which range from a mention on the website, unique cast paperweights, book, drawings and an invitation to the opening launch for the highest donations. If you can, please donate to this innovative project!"

Construction is due to start next month with a projected completion date in May 2013.

"This is a very ambitious and extremely difficult project and will, we believe, be the first entirely off-grid building powered by renewables in Europe," said Dr Neil Burford, from the Architecture department at the University.

"The technologies that will be used have not been tested in this way before, not least by semi-skilled students, so if we achieve this goal it will be a major achievement with significant impact for the University and the city of Dundee."

The design and technologies used for the project will be tested in a real-world scenario over a period of four years, generating an understanding of the relationship between user behaviour and technical performance and will be open to public, professions and industry.

Donations can be made through a dedicated page on the Kickstarter website at: www.kickstarter.com.

There is an active project website and blog which can be followed at: blog http://macromicrodundee.wordpress.com/ website - http://macromicro.co.uk/.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902