Successful prototype uses 30% of the energy demand of a conventional house

  • 1 / 10

    SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House in foreground of the Xinzhuang Complex, the new “3 Star Green Building” standard in China.

  • 2 / 10

    Project update March 2006 – SRIBS Minimal energy link house, Shanghai, China

    Southwest view of house.

  • 3 / 10

    Project update SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House: green roof and photovoltaics.

  • 4 / 10

    Project update SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House: living room.

  • 5 / 10

    Project update SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House: atrium.

  • 6 / 10

    Project update SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House: dining room.

  • 7 / 10

    Project update SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House: atrium and stairs.

  • 8 / 10

    Project update SRIBS Minimal Energy Link House: bedroom in winter.

  • 9 / 10

    Site plan: Link House (#5), new Xinzhuang Complex (#1), Research Center of Building Environment – China’s first 3-Star Green Building, completed 2004 (#2), Demonstration apartment house (#4).

  • 10 / 10

    Project update October 2013 – SRIBS Minimal energy link house, Shanghai, China

    Xinzhuang Complex, Link House at far right of photograph.

A prototype house was completed in mid-2005, after which it was tested and exhibited for 5 years, attracting more than 5,000 visitors. Testing indicated that the energy efficiency of the house was effective, and energy consumption was only 30% compared to conventional designs. During the 5-year period, some elements of the house were further modified to improve efficiency. 

Last updated: October 22, 2013 Shanghai, China

In 2010 a new office building, Xinzhuang Complex, was constructed adjacent to the prototype house to the new “3 Star Green Building” standard in China. The Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences (SRIBS) renovated the house to form the reception and meeting venue of the office building.