NanoHouse

The NanoHouse™ Initiative, conceived in 2002 by Dr Carl Masens at the Institute for Nanoscale Technology and visualised and implemented by architect James Muir, has proven a successful method of explaining what nanotechnologies are and how they work; e.g. how the latest technology windows clean themselves, how tiles might resist build up of soap scum, or timber surfaces resist UV damage. In the building industry, nanotechnology provides a whole new palette of materials that could potentially have profound affects on building design. For instance, in the near future, glass can be used more liberally if it is optically tuned to block heat and UV. It would be possible to construct a building with many more, larger windows than is currently viable, since heat can be kept out and UV photo-damage prevented.