PROTOTYPES

To proceed with the development, demonstration, testing and optimization of the technology, Casas Em Movimento | Buildings In Motion built 4 prototypes. Each of these prototypes represented a different phase related to the Research & Development process.

PROTOTYPE IV

Implanted in the center of Matosinhos, Prototype IV (Casa Em Movimento Matosinhos) serves as a demonstrator of the dynamics of the interior spaces that our technology allows. This was done by adding a fixed Interior Module.


We also integrated additional systems such as Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things. The user can now control the Building’s movements and everything else through his smartphone.

PROTOTYPE III

Built in 2015, in Porto, it was implanted by the sea. With this prototype we demonstrated the operation of the rotation mechanism and inclination of the photovoltaic cover to the summer position.


In the construction of the prototype the use of glass was privileged in order to make visible the various mechanisms and technologies used in its construction.


The prototype was implanted on a metal base, with 7 meters in diameter and 30 centimeters deep.

PROTOTYPE II

Built in 2014 on Metaloviana’s factory, it included an automated chassis to allow the rotation movement of the building and the tilting mechanism of the photovoltaic cover to the summer position.


It underwent several tests in a controlled environment in order to guarantee the reliability of the construction and its resistance to external factors such as strong winds.


At this stage, Casas Em Movimento had the approval of support from the Regional Operational Program of the North (Cycle of Community Funds at the Service of Territorial Development), with an incentive of 62.33% in an overall investment of approximately eight hundred thousand Euros.

PROTOTYPE I

Built in Madrid at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2012, Casas Em Movimento was one of the 20 selected projects, in a total of about 200 projects from all over the world presented to the competition, having received a prize of € 100,000.


With this first prototype, it was made proof of concept of the inclination of the photovoltaic cover in the winter movement.


In the construction of the house, we favored the use of sustainable materials, characteristic of the Portuguese industry, such as wood and cork.