Want to build multi-family houses that are not connected to the electricity and water grid

In growing cities, expanding the infrastructure for electricity, water and sewage can become increasingly difficult and very costly in the future. One solution could be to build off-grid areas, self-sufficient when it comes to energy and with its own water and sewerage solution.

At Öxnehaga in Huskvarna, two multi-family properties are now being planned to be built in just this way in a world-unique pilot project.

- With this, we are in the forefront of new innovations. In the long term, we could reduce property management costs and contribute to a sustainable society, says Thorbjörn Hammerth, CEO of Vätterhem.

It is Vätterhem who together with the architect firm Yellon want to build two properties on Öxnehaga. The project also includes Mälardalen University and the state research institute RISE.

In total, four properties are being built with a total of 88 apartments. Two houses are traditional and two so-called off grid houses.

- It's the most exciting thing about this project, that we can compare, says Pär Löfstedt.

The two self-supporting houses will be equipped with solar panels, both facades and roofs. The electricity produced is stored in batteries before it is used.

In order to cope with the winter months, energy will be stored in hydrogen which is then converted to electricity and heat via fuel cell. Underground, there will also be a large heat store that utilizes excess heat that can be used for heating later.

When it comes to drinking water, the properties will have a drilled well. Other water consumption for showers, dishes and washing will be done in a closed system where the water is purified and reused.

The properties will collect rainwater in a pond in the area that will cope with the water supply. It should be sized to withstand even a dry summer like 2018.

The wastewater will also be purified in a forced process and in the system the faeces will disappear completely.