Frequently asked questions
1.How much does the prototype cost?
120.000 eur; this price includes structure, finishes, both for interior and exterior, doors and windows, equipment (photovoltaic system, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, electrical and sanitary), and insulation. The prototype is more costly than the industrialized version, because some of the materials we used are slightly different. The difference in materials comes from the fact that the prototype must be able to bear three successive transports, three assemblies and two disassemblies.
2. Is there an industrialized version of the house? If yes, is it more expensive, or cheaper?
Yes, there is an industrialized version of the house and yes, it is cheaper. The more successful the house becomes, the lower its price gets. Therefore, in the beginning, PRISPA house will be sold for about 90.000 eur, while after approximately a year of selling, the price of the house reaches 70,000 eur.
3. Is there anything you invented?
To be honest, we don’t feel the need to invent anything, since our strategy advocates simplicity. We don’t mean to reinvent the wheel, for fear it might come out square. The technology already exists, the things we lack are ways to approach it and use it. Our innovation stands in creating new methods of applying existing technologies.
4. What kind of structure does it have?
The structure for the PRISPA house consists of a system of load bearing walls. Some of them are structural panels and the rest are integrated in the structure for the two transportable modules: the kitchen + bathroom module and the technical module. The base materials are engineered wood products such as I-Joists and Oriented Stranded Boards, also timber and, for the joining of the structural parts, a range of steel connectors and bolts. For thermal insulation, glass wool is used.
We opted for a wood structure because wood is one of the most sustainable materials, it regenerates and it’s flexible. The reasons for choosing an engineered wood structure are cost-related. Engineered wood minimizes the material consumption and it can bear the same load as plain wood. What’s special about our wood structure is that the walls you see in the blow-up are sandwich panels that include the thermal insulation as well. To add to the benefits and ease of construction, the structure is delivered with most of its finishing already applied, so it makes assembly time efficient.
5. What’s the life cycle?
As it happens with any other building, given that it is inhabited and maintained properly, its life cycle is at lasts 50 years.
6. Are the materials easy to get or do you have to get them from a specific location?
Having accessibility in all its expressions as a core value, PRISPA dedicates this product to everyone, wherever they might want to build it. Thus, the materials are easy to get in any region. To build PRISPA house you will need wood, clay, a bit of metal and 5% red, to make it pretty.
7. Can I build this house myself, or do I need experts?
Although the house is presented as an easy to assemble kit, we recommend you to get expertise when building it, as you will need formal inspections for the foundation, structure, fire safety and electrical and photovoltaic system.
8. Is it safe for my children?
Yes. It’s safe for everyone. We respect the following list of building norms of compliance.
9. Is it safe for my grandparents to live in it?
Yes. It’s safe for everyone. Elderly people can come and visit or live in it. Nothing is too high, or too low so as to make walking around the house dangerous or uncomfortable.
10. How much energy does it produce? Does it cover all my expenses?
In Bucharest, Romania, the house produces 9501 kWh/year, while the estimated energy consumption is 7508.11 kWh/year. Simple calculations would lead to the conclusion that, with the right systems implemented, the energy production covers all the maintenance and electricity bills. In numbers, in Bucharest, you will have an extra 1992 kWh/year, which is 20% more energy than you can consume for normal use.
11. Do I need batteries or are there any other ways to make use of the extra energy I produce?
Batteries could be an option if you’re looking to make your house autonomous, but they imply extra costs. On the long term, real efficiency comes from connecting the house to a smart grid. That means the extra energy is redistributed to this electrical grid and you can either use it later, when the sun is not so strong, or you can sell it to the government or energy company.