Swedish energy producer and supplier Vattenfall has teamed up with Dutch architecture firm Superuse to develop an innovative concept for recycling end-of-life wind turbine nacelles into eco-friendly tiny houses.

Today's wind turbines have an average lifespan of around 20 years, and dismantling them poses a number of challenges in terms of recycling their materials.

While some parts, such as steel towers and blades, are now partially reused, the nacelles – the top of the turbine that houses its mechanical and electrical components – are difficult to recycle.

As a result, this unique and somewhat extraordinary project aims to transform these nacelles into small homes, perfect for environmentally-friendly living.

A first prototype, called Nestle, has already been assembled, featuring 36sq m of living space with a modular living area, a mezzanine sleeping area, a kitchen and a bathroom.

In terms of energy, this home uses a heat pump heating system and solar panels for energy self-sufficiency. The home also benefits from reinforced insulation with triple glazing and a ventilation system with heat recovery.

The prototype was built using a nacelle that had been in operation for 20 years at a height of around 100m at the Gols wind farm in Austria. Its dimensions are approximately 4m wide, 10m long and 3m high. The interior furnishings are partly made from recycled materials, including a table made from a wind turbine blade.

In real terms, this type of home could be used for temporary or emergency housing, as well as primary residences for those who prefer minimalist, environmentally-friendly living.

In addition to this project, Vattenfall is committed to recycling 100% of its wind turbine blades by 2030. Eventually, this strategy will also extend to nacelles. – AFP Relaxnews