Mini Italy supports the housing module project "Biosphera Genesis"

With "Mini Voices", the brand created a platform that introduces personalities and initiatives that can contribute to a more sustainable and socially responsible future. One of the partners in this project since 2018 is the Aktivhaus-Nexlogic Group. The company specializes in developing residential modules using advanced technologies to create a comfortable atmosphere with minimal environmental impact. Currently, the fourth generation of the Biosphera project, named "Genesis", is presented. Mirko Taglietti, CEO of Aktivhaus and creator of the Biosphera project, explains:

"Genesis is the fourth generation of the autonomous, regenerative, 'biophilic' living module, which has already been awarded the Energy Globe Award - the world's most important sustainability award. Our goal is to build and optimize next-generation buildings, where the focus of the architectural and construction process is on the human being and their senses and needs, their physiology, health, and well-being. These buildings should be capable of invigorating the minds and energy of their residents."

Biophilic is the elegant description for "Passive House" - Genesis can generate eight times more energy than it consumes.

The result of twelve years of research and scientific experimentation in collaboration with numerous organizations, universities, and companies is Biosphera Genesis, a 40-square-meter autonomous residential container, a mobile living unit that can be transported on the road and was delivered in a quite ordinary manner: With a diesel-powered Iveco Stralis 500 and a low-loader carrying the entire building. This residential module is said to be the only one in the world that relies on "biophilic" design. According to its inventors, this is an "architectural design element aimed at creating an environment conducive to human health" - or, in simple terms: A "Passive House" that generates eight times more energy than it consumes, with its energy needs being 95% lower than that of a conventional home. It is made of environmentally friendly materials and meets the minimum ecological criteria.

Additionally, Biosphera Genesis is said to be the first sensory climate chamber for the hospitality industry, developed to combat stress. Inside, the visual, tactile, and olfactory atmospheres found in nature are recreated through immersive experiences. The goal is to create an environment that positively influences our five senses. Technologies are used to simulate the same light, temperature, and color conditions between indoors and outdoors, taking into account the biorhythm.

Pine Wood and Virtual Reality

Virtual reality techniques are used to reproduce sounds and scenarios found in nature with the help of special headphones. In the end, Swiss pine wood also contributes to body relaxation and heart rate reduction as an olfactory stimulator – wood always smells pleasant. Biosphera aims to advance sustainability here through the interplay of medicine and architecture and plans to design hotels, schools, and buildings of all types and functions in the future.

And what does Mini have to do with it? The Mini Cooper SE "accompanied" the living unit at the international launch at the Venice Biennale 2021. To charge the battery, the Mini used the excess energy generated by Biosphera Genesis.

What does this mean?

Two approaches are also interesting for fleets and fleet management: firstly, minimalism helps – it doesn't always have to be the large building that is laboriously constructed over a long period and then stands empty during times of home office. And secondly, well-made passive houses generate so much energy that you can also charge a small fleet. An interesting alternative for car rentals and car-sharing platforms or as an elegant weather protection in the charging park.