1

The AIRTECTURE-Hovering/Flying Houses: Design

Strategies and Sustainable Energy Solutions"
Guide: Himanshu Sanghani

Mentors: Dr. Purva Mujumdar, Ar. Prerana Hazarika

Coordinator: Ar. Prerana Hazarika

DISSERTATION IN ARCHITECTURE

2023-2024

Submitted by:

Eshaan Gupta

Roll No./SAA/B.Arch./Session

SCHOOL OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE

SUSHANT UNIVERSITY

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Abstract:
The landscape of modern architecture is on the cusp of a transformative era,
marked by the emergence of hovering and flying houses, which challenge
established architectural norms. This dissertation undertakes an exhaustive
exploration of the concept of hovering/flying houses and evaluates their
potential contributions to sustainable urban development and the evolution
of architectural practice. It places a particular emphasis on addressing the
intricate challenges associated with electricity generation and lighting
management within these distinct structures.

Through an extensive and meticulous review of literature, complemented by

an in-depth analysis of existing flying house prototypes and conceptual
designs, this research uncovers the multifaceted advantages offered by these
architectural innovations. These include enhanced mobility, adaptability,
and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Simultaneously, the
research acknowledges and scrutinizes the intricate challenges posed by the
seamless integration of hovering/flying houses into urban environments.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

CHAPTER 1: Introduction
1.1 In the realm of human imagination and technological innovation, there exists a
tantalizing concept that has captured the essence of both whimsy and the frontier of what
may be possible in the future – the flying house. The idea of a house suspended in the
sky, gently hovering among the clouds like a modern-day airship, evokes a sense of
wonder and fascination that has been a staple of science fiction and fantasy literature for
generations. While seemingly fantastical, the notion of a flying house represents a
convergence of cutting-edge engineering, sustainable energy solutions, and the
boundless human spirit of exploration.

1.2 In this dissertation, we embark on a journey into the realm of speculative engineering
and futuristic architectural design. We delve into the intricate interplay of science,
technology, and creativity that could one day give rise to a flying domicile. More
specifically, our focus revolves around the concept of an electric propulsion system,
powered by hydrogen fuel cells, as the means by which a house may take to the skies.

1.3 The underlying premise is bold and ambitious: envision a residence that not only
provides shelter but also the freedom to transcend geographical boundaries, defy
conventional notions of urban planning, and potentially usher in a new era of sustainable,
mobile living. As we navigate through this conceptual landscape, we will explore the
theoretical framework, the technological considerations, and the audacious possibilities
of a house that flies.

(MIDJOURNEY)

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

1.4 While grounded in the imagination, this exploration is tethered to the real-world
challenges and opportunities that underlie such a visionary undertaking. It is a blend of
the fantastical and the practical, where the boundaries of human ingenuity meet the
constraints of physics, materials science, energy economics, and regulatory frameworks.
Our journey begins with a fundamental question: Could a flying house, powered by
hydrogen fuel cells, ever be more than a dream? To answer this question, we must first
embark on a voyage of thought, creativity, and scientific exploration into the very essence
of what makes a house a home and a flight a reality.

CHAPTER 2: Aim
Research Aim-To explore the theoretical framework and feasibility of a flying house
concept powered by an electric propulsion system, specifically driven by hydrogen fuel
cells.

Objective:

• Conceptualization of a Flying House:

o Develop a detailed conceptual framework of a flying house, including its
architectural design, aerodynamic considerations, and interior layout.
o Identify and explore key elements and features required for a house to
achieve flight.
• Technological Feasibility Assessment:
o Investigate the current state of technology, with a particular focus on
hydrogen fuel cell technology, electric propulsion systems, energy
storage solutions, and lightweight materials.
o Assess the technological readiness and potential advancements needed to
enable the practical realization of a flying house.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Research questions:
Conceptualization of a Flying House:

• How can architectural design principles be adapted to conceptualize a residential

structure capable of flight?
• What are the key aerodynamic considerations that must be addressed in designing
a flying house?
• What interior layout features are essential for the comfort and functionality of a
flying house?

(MIDJOURNEY)

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Methodology:
The research methodology will be underpinned by a multi-faceted approach, including:

● A rigorous literature review to gain comprehensive insights into flying house concepts,
sustainable energy technologies, and advanced lighting solutions.

● An in-depth examination of existing flying house prototypes and conceptual designs

to evaluate their energy and lighting systems.

● Surveys or interviews with experts in architecture and sustainable energy to collect

qualitative data and expert insights.

● Potential simulations or modeling to assess energy efficiency and lighting design in

the context of hovering/flying houses.

(MIDJOURNEY)

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

CHAPTER 3: Literature review
Earthquakes don't kill people. People's houses in the midst of earthquakes kill people.
Look at the statistics—or the photographs—and you'll know that the vast majority of
fatalities from earthquakes large or small come from buildings, or parts of buildings,
falling on people.

What better way to avoid tragedy then, but by tossing a house in the air when an
earthquake comes?

That's the general idea behind the levitating house developed by the Japanese
company Air Danshin. The product of inventor Shoichi Sakamoto, the house sits, during
more stable times, on a deflated air bag. When sensors feel a tremor, they switch on a
compressor within a second. The compressor pumps air into an airbag, inflating it within
a few more seconds, and ultimately lifting the entire house a good three centimeters off
its supposedly earthquake-proof concrete foundation. There the structure will hover, its
inhabitants able to casually go about their business, for the duration of the quake. Then
the airbag deflates and the house gently settles back down.

Diagram of how a house would levitate during an earthquake. Image: Air Danshin

The company built such a house on a "shake table" and equipped it with a few inhabitants,
some furniture, and a couple of glasses of wine. When the mock tremors hit, in front of
a rapt, hardhat-outfitted audience, the denizens hardly noticed, and not a drop of wine
was spilled. The system will be added to new, otherwise typically built homes of an
appropriate weight, and can be retrofitted to existing structures as well.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Minimizing Damage
"It would take care of a smaller earthquake, I would think," says Deke Smith, Executive
Director of the Building Seismic Safety Council and the buildingSMART alliance, part
of the National Institute of Building Sciences, Washington, DC. "It would dampen some
of the motions certainly. I think it would be more of a comfort thing than a minimizing
damage thing. But I don't know that if you invested in it that you will have eliminated
any problems with earthquakes for your structure."

Image: Air Danshin

Air Danshin's shake test dealt only with side-to-side motion and most earthquakes are
not limited to a two-dimensional plane. Three centimeters of levitation will only protect
a house from earthquakes that don't rise higher than three centimeters. Never mind the
question of what would happen to a floating house hit by a tall wave of a quake. It would
likely slip right off its foundation. Or, conceivably, a strong tornado might more easily
carry the structure off to Oz.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Improving Design
Another problem is that the first tremors that would activate the system may very well
be the biggest, most destructive tremors of the earthquake. The airbag, were it able to
inflate, might be pushing up against the rubble of an already damaged house. "Each
earthquake has its own signature," says Smith. "Some might have a big jolt in the
beginning, some in the end, some in the middle." Unfortunately, our seismic sensors are
not yet at the level of those animals, including dogs, that can sense earthquakes before
they happen, and long before humans or their technology do so. "If they figure that out,
then you'd have something," says Smith.

Structure levitates 1 cm - 3 cm. Image: Air Danshin

However, even if Air Danshin's system is only good for that rare, lateral shaking
earthquake which never moves the earth higher than three centimeters, and saves its
biggest jolts for its finale, 88 Japanese homes are soon to be retrofit with the airbag and
its assemblage. That's 88 experiments that will provide some data after the next quake.
At approximately three million Yen a pop (over $37,000), it's also a sizable chunk of
change.

"Going out and building some of them is good," says Smith. "That's how we keep
improving. It may be an idea that will spur somebody else's thoughts in some other
direction. It may be a viable piece to a larger solution someday." (ARTSAKH NEWS
2021)

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Hydrogen fuel cells have emerged as a promising and sustainable technology with the
potential to revolutionize various industries, including transportation, energy production,
and beyond. These devices generate electricity through the electrochemical reaction
between hydrogen and oxygen, producing water as their only byproduct. The following
literature review explores key developments, applications, and challenges in the field of
hydrogen fuel cells.

CHAPTER 4: Data collection

Design:

1. Structural Design:

• Materials: The flying house's primary structure is constructed from advanced

lightweight carbon nanotube composites, renowned for their exceptional
strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring structural integrity while minimizing weight.
• Aerodynamics: The house boasts a sleek and modular design that incorporates
retractable wings and tail surfaces, optimizing aerodynamics and enhancing
stability and control during flight. The exterior shell utilizes adaptive smart
materials that can change shape in response to varying flight conditions for
streamlined performance.

2. Propulsion System:

• Propulsion Type: The propulsion system relies on cutting-edge electric power,

sourced from high-density hydrogen fuel cells in conjunction with lithium-air
batteries for efficient energy storage.
• Electric Motors: Propulsion is achieved through the use of ultra-efficient,
lightweight electric motors equipped with electromagnetic bearings. These
motors feature advanced superconducting materials, which significantly enhance
efficiency and reduce energy loss.

3. Energy Storage:

• Batteries: The flying house incorporates next-generation solid-state lithium-

sulphur (Li-S) batteries, meticulously integrated into its structure to maximize
energy density while minimizing overall weight. These batteries efficiently
recharge during flight via regenerative braking systems.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

4. Hydrogen Fuel Cells:

• Fuel Cell Efficiency: To ensure optimal efficiency and longevity, the house is
equipped with high-temperature proton exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel
cells known for their remarkable performance.
• Hydrogen Storage: The safe and efficient storage of hydrogen is achieved
through cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks featuring advanced lightweight
composite materials that maximize storage capacity.

(THE ECO EXPERTS)

5. Interior Design:

• Layout: The interior design is meticulously planned for both comfort and space
optimization. Innovative folding and sliding furnishings, fabricated from
lightweight smart materials, allow for adaptability to different needs.
• Materials: The interior components utilize lightweight smart materials,
including shape-memory alloys and flexible nanocomposites, for their
adaptability and resilience.

6. Safety and Stability:

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

 • Stabilization Systems: The flying house integrates state-of-the-art artificial
intelligence (AI)-driven stabilization systems in combination with real-time
adaptive control surfaces, ensuring precise stability under various flight
conditions.
• Safety Mechanisms: Multiple layers of redundant safety mechanisms are in
place, including automated emergency descent systems and energy-absorbing
impact zones, to guarantee passenger safety at all times.

7. Environmental Control:

• Climate Control: The house features an energy-efficient climate control system

equipped with a heat pump that harnesses waste heat from the fuel cells.
Advanced sensors continuously monitor and maintain optimal conditions.
• Air Filtration: Cutting-edge nanotechnology-based air filtration systems are
incorporated to guarantee a constant supply of clean and purified air during flight.

8. Windows and Views:

• Materials: Large and highly resilient transparent nanocomposite windows

provide breathtaking panoramic views, while offering protection against extreme
temperatures and UV radiation.

9. Payload and Weight Distribution:

• Weight Distribution: Advanced weight distribution algorithms work in concert

with adaptive ballast systems to ensure optimal balance and stability throughout
the flight.
• Payload: Personal belongings and appliances are thoughtfully designed using
lightweight 3D-printed materials to minimize the overall weight impact.

10. Communication and Connectivity:

Communication System: Quantum-encrypted communication systems provide a secure

and high-speed connectivity experience, enabling seamless communication even in
remote areas during flight.

11. Navigation and Control:

Navigation: Advanced autonomous navigation systems incorporate quantum computing

for real-time route optimization, obstacle avoidance, and pinpoint landing accuracy.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

Control: Adaptive, neuro-inspired flight control algorithms ensure responsive and
smooth flight experiences, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety.

12. Noise Control:

Material: Advanced metamaterials featuring active noise-cancellation capabilities are

skilfully integrated to provide a serene and peaceful environment during the flight.

13. Estimated Weight: The comprehensive design, inclusive of all components and
furnishings, results in an estimated weight range of 25 to 30 metric tons. This estimate
takes into account the robust structure, advanced propulsion, energy storage solutions,
and safety systems, all of which are finely balanced for optimal performance.

Working Plan:

Design Concept: "AeroHaven" - The Sustainable Aerial Residence

Exterior Design:

• Aerodynamic Elegance: The AeroHaven boasts an exquisite teardrop-shaped

exterior, optimized for minimal air resistance during flight. Its lightweight
construction uses advanced carbon nanotube composites and smart materials.
• Solar Elegance: The entire surface of the house is covered in flexible, ultra-
efficient solar panels that provide additional power during flight and recharge
batteries.
• Adaptive Wings: The wings are intricately designed with a feather-like structure
that allows for dynamic adjustments in shape, enabling precise control during
flight. Solar panels embedded within the wings continuously generate energy.

Interior Design:

• Luxurious Living: The interior of AeroHaven is a masterpiece of design and

functionality. Smart modular furniture and walls adapt to different needs,
transforming the space seamlessly from a living room to a dining area, or even a
workspace.
• Bioclimatic Comfort: An advanced bioclimatic control system maintains ideal
living conditions, utilizing natural light, airflow, and temperature regulation. It
also recycles waste heat from the hydrogen fuel cells for heating and cooling.

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

 • Astronomer's Dream: A transparent, nano-engineered dome on the roof retracts
to reveal the night sky, providing passengers with an unparalleled view of stars
and celestial objects.

Propulsion and Energy Systems:

• Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Cutting-edge high-temperature proton exchange

membrane (HT-PEM) hydrogen fuel cells power the house's electric motors.
They're located in the rear section of AeroHaven, with hydrogen tanks crafted
from advanced lightweight composite materials.
• Electric Propulsion: Electric motors with electromagnetic bearings are housed
in pods on each wingtip, minimizing noise and maximizing thrust. These motors
drive advanced variable-pitch propellers, allowing for VTOL capability and
efficient forward flight.
• Energy Storage: Ultra-high-capacity lithium-air batteries are strategically
distributed throughout the house, ensuring energy storage and distribution
efficiency. These batteries recharge during flight through regenerative braking
systems.

Safety and Control:

• Neural Network Stabilization: AeroHaven employs a neural network-based

stabilization system that adapts in real-time to external forces and turbulence,
providing passengers with a smooth and comfortable flight experience.
• Emergency Redundancy: In addition to traditional safety mechanisms,
AeroHaven features an innovative ejection system for the entire cabin in case of
catastrophic failure, ensuring passenger safety.

Communication and Navigation:

• Quantum Communication: Quantum-encrypted communication systems

ensure unbreakable, secure, and high-speed connectivity, enabling global
communication even in remote locations.
• Cognitive Navigation: An advanced cognitive navigation system utilizes
quantum computing to continuously optimize flight paths, detect and avoid
obstacles, and make real-time decisions for the safest and most efficient route.

Noise Control:

• Active Silence: The interior is equipped with active noise-cancellation

technology, creating an environment of absolute tranquility. Even during flight,
passengers experience near-silence.

Payload and Weight Distribution:

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

 • Material Innovations: Every element of AeroHaven's interior is crafted from
advanced lightweight materials, including 3D-printed smart polymers, carbon
nanotube composites, and graphene-infused textiles, all contributing to optimal
weight distribution.

Environmental Responsibility:

• Zero Emissions: AeroHaven leaves no carbon footprint. Its hydrogen fuel cells
emit only water vapor, and its regenerative systems and solar panels maximize
energy efficiency.
• Ecosystem Integration: AeroHaven features a rooftop garden with air-purifying
plants and even small-scale aquaponics, creating a mini-ecosystem that
contributes to oxygen production and air quality.

(MIDJOURNEY)

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Manigandan, S, 2023, hydrogen fuel cells

• Ghanem, A.S., Liang 2021, Chemical Engineering Journal
• Messori, A. 2022, Energies
• Youichi Sakamoto 2015, air danshin
• Kadam, A.A, 2017, chem
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNqXuFhCr88&t=81s&ab_channel=ThinkLi
keTech (ACCESSED ON, 10, AUG 2021)

Dissertation | AIRTECTURE (FLYING HOUSES) | 2023