Göteborg based architect Hans Eek is the chief designer of the renowned terraced housing units in Lindås that are heated by the people who live in them. He shares the one million Swedish crowns prize money with German energy researcher Wolfgang Feist. They are awarded the prize for their groundbreaking contributions to developing so called “passive houses”.

Ever since the 70’s Hans Eek and Wolfgang Feist have worked together to develop the technology that heavily reduces consumption of fossil fuels and thereby reduces carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

Warmed by bodyheat

The houses are designed to stop heat loss, which means that no other source of heat is needed. The more people living in the house, the warmer it becomes. ”This is overwhelming and extremely encouraging and we have actually contributed to housing development too. I hope to use some of the prize money to establish an award for Chalmers students. It would be great if students of architecture from different fields could come together in designing beautiful and functional houses with low energy consumption and a healthy indoor climate," says Hans Eek.

The houses in Lindås have, among other things, small windows to the north and large windows to the south. The exterior walls are super-insulated and the roof and floors are well insulated too. The ingenious ventilation system ensures that very little heat is let out. All electrical appliances are energy-saving too.

Wolfgang Feist, PhD in Engineering, has constructed similar terraced housing units in Germany and was the scientific Director for the EU project Cepheus, which Hans Eek also worked with. The purpose of the project is to promote “passive house” projects in Austria, Switzerland and France as well.