Solar Decathlon Contest

FabLab House – The Fab Lab House uses the resources of its environment sun, water and wind to create a microclimate that passively optimizes the basic conditions of habitability.

Home+  – The volume of this house is divided into modules which can be rearranged. The modules are installed with some gaps in between which are used for lighting, ventilation, heating in winter and passive cooling in summer. Simulations show that after a year not only the power needs of the building will be covered, but there will be even additional energy to feed in to the net. This way the building will be a “plus energy” house.

SML House (SD 2010) – The dwelling is primarily characterized by its modularity, prefabrication and energetic efficiency. The house is rigorous, yet flexible in its composition, due to the time spent reflecting on prefabricated modules that can be configured and incorporated at the petition of the user.

The Solar Decathlon Europe (SD Europe) 2010 was created through an agreement signed between the Government of Spain’s Ministry of Housing and the United States Government, who committed to organize a sustainable solar architecture competition in Europe.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive.

We propose to design and build a house for the Vermont climate that combines the best aspects of a traditional New England farmhouse with the efficient technologies of today. New England farmhouses embody the spirit of self-reliance.

PerformDance House – Designed as an open pavilion with operable louvers to adapt to climate changes.

A zero energy home which remains true to the pioneer spirit by integrating renewable resources and innovative technology into a project that is adaptable, self-sufficient, rugged, affordable, and attractive.

The MIT solar home must appeal to a large segment of the US population both aesthetically and practically. We seek to design a house that integrates passive thermal technologies with active controls and solar collectors in order to control the energy flows to and from the house with a minimum of resident intervention.

LUMENHAUS is a zero-energy home that is completely powered by the sun. Other sustainable features include the use of passive energy systems, radiant heating and building materials that are from renewable and/or recyclable sources.

The houses design includes elements from historic Florida houses for a back-to-basics approach to energy conservation. The design strategy combines technological advances with the poetic sensibility and humble celebration of utility of our local building traditions.