Water and sunlight: regenerative hydronics

Abstract

Hydronic technologies are undergoing significant transformations in an attempt to revolutionise resource independence in buildings. On-site energy generation and waste regeneration are at the centre of this potential paradigm shift. This text initially discusses recent developments in hydronics systems regarding energy source, materiality, distribution and location in buildings, and plenum typology. Secondly, it evaluates emerging innovation in water-based radiation geared particularly toward zero net energy buildings. Lastly, the text presents current research in hydronic technology in which water heating and disinfection are fully integrated into a facade system through microoptics integration. This discussion contributes to the evaluation of incorporating microoptics into future building technologies in which water, waste, and energy are synergistically balanced. The integration of microoptics can fuel radical innovation leaps in this front enabling regenerative hydronics.