European energy company Vattenfall and Superuse Studios have transformed a nacelle—a large container atop wind turbines housing key components—into a tiny, sustainable home. Using a nacelle from a Vestas V80 2-MW turbine decommissioned after 20 years of service, the project repurposes the 376-square-foot nacelle, demonstrating potential for adaptive reuse of turbine materials. This unique tiny home is on display at Dutch Design Week 2024 in Eindhoven.
The structure, which is 13 feet wide, 32 feet long, and 10 feet high, was outfitted with essentials like electricity, plumbing, and insulation, thanks to collaboration with various partners. Constructed from durable, glass fiber-reinforced plastics, the nacelle’s transformation serves as an eco-friendly alternative to disposal, although the material itself is challenging to recycle.
Solar panels on the roof provide peak power of 1,800 watts, sufficient to run the home’s systems, while a solar-powered water boiler and heat pump offer hot water and climate control. Other features include decentralized ventilation, wall-mounted panels, and an electric vehicle charging point.
Inside, the warm wooden decor includes a bathroom, kitchenette, and a combined sleeping and living space. Sustainable and second-hand furniture fill the interior, including a table crafted from a recycled wind turbine blade, highlighting the project’s emphasis on reusing materials.
Jos de Krieger, a partner at Superuse, noted the large number of similar nacelles available worldwide, offering possibilities for sustainable housing and other applications. He emphasized that if such a complex project is feasible, simpler, scalable uses could be developed, making it an innovative solution for retired wind turbines in need of repurposing.
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