Thoughts on the design of tomorrow’s buildings : energy efficient, high performance buildings

The Combined technological network (CNT) « Husbandry buildins of the futeur » has developed a wide network of competencies and exchanges on husbandry buildings (horses, pigs, ruminants and poultry). It promotes the emergence of projects between the actors of research, development, and teaching. Between 2014 and 2018, one of the aims of the network was to design and build virtual buildings for each of the sectors.

Each prototype put forward is optimized with regard to one of the following 3 priorities :

• The energy efficient, high performance building : priority « well-reasoned costs » to manage the overheads linked to the building.
• The eco-responsible building : priority « environment » to minimize the environmental impact of the building.
• The precision building : priority « precision » to integrate new cutting-edge technologies

Thus each prototype offers a range of technical solutions optimised with regard to the the priority aimed for, and the type of husbandry adopted. They are therefore not considered as THE only reference for what might be the buildings of the future. The prototypes will necessarily give rise to reactions of support or to constructive criticism. They do not propose a complete break from existing types of building, but rather offer the highest optimisation possible.

Each and every farmer will find sources to be adapted to his particular situation. In fact, the final choices remain with project promoters to build and equip buildings to suit the needs of their farm and their aspirations.

The general aims of the prototype are to control investment and operation expenses linked to the buildings, and to channel the farming management towards less time spent inside the buildings.

Building design around 4 main axes

Aim 1 : improving the horses living conditions

The accomodation mode corresponds to an outdoor collective system of accomodation to promote social relationships and animal well-being. The system offers permanent access to hay which favours digestive health and prevents build-up of dust on the feeding areas. A scratching area, and a rolling area also contribute to the horses’ comfort.

Aim 2 : minimize building costs

Aim 3 : mechanising, automating and making safe the different tasks

Mucking out is also made easier by stabilising the ground which allows the use of a scraper to remove the droppings, and could also allow the use of a robotic automatic scraper (prototype yet to be designed). The accumulated manure in the rest area is held back by beams to restrict maintenance in the area.

Aim 4 : optimising manageùment of sewage, water and energy

The sewage is collected via drains and then treated using vegetated filtering gravel packs. Rain water is collected, filtered and used as drinking water for the horses (a study on the potability is forthcoming). Photovoltaic solar panels provide light for the mares, electricity for the electric fencing and for the various equipment.

Estimation of the investment costs (ex VAT)

Strengths and weaknesses ?