Wind Turbine Components Find New Life as Tiny Homes at Dutch Design Week

The nacelle—typically housing vital components like the generator and gearbox atop a wind turbine—is more spacious than one might assume. The unit used in this project hails from a Vestas V80 2-megawatt turbine that operated for 20 years at the Gols wind farm in Austria. Measuring 13 feet wide, 32 feet long, and 10 feet high, it provides approximately 376 square feet of living space, making it surprisingly roomy for a tiny home.

After being carefully lowered from its 328-foot-high perch, the nacelle was transported to Rotterdam for its transformation. Its shell, made of glass fiber-reinforced plastic, is both watertight and lightweight—ideal characteristics for a sustainable housing structure. Given that this material is durable yet difficult to recycle, repurposing it into a home addresses both environmental concerns and innovative reuse.

Dubbed the “Nestle,” the tiny house is outfitted with modern amenities thanks to the collaborative efforts of Superuse and various partner firms. Four solar panels mounted on the roof generate 1,800 watts of peak power, sufficient to meet the home’s energy needs. The house also features a solar-powered water boiler for washing and showering, a heat pump for air conditioning, and a decentralized ventilation system. An electric vehicle charging point is conveniently located on the exterior.

Inside, the wooden interior boasts a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a combined sleeping and living area. The space is furnished with sustainably produced and second-hand items, emphasizing the project’s commitment to eco-friendly living. A notable feature is a table crafted from recycled material sourced from an old wind turbine blade, adding a unique touch to the interior decor.

Jos de Krieger, a partner at Superuse, sees this project as a stepping stone toward greater utility for decommissioned wind turbines. “At least ten thousand of this generation of nacelles are available worldwide,” he remarked. “If we can convert such complex structures into homes, then numerous simpler solutions are also feasible and scalable.”

This innovative endeavor not only excites tiny home enthusiasts but also highlights the potential for circularity in renewable energy industries. It offers a glimpse into a future where sustainability and creativity go hand in hand, turning old machinery into livable spaces and reducing environmental impact in the process.

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