The Solar Decathlon
Arc 402/451/452 Final Project
Advanced Final Studio
Program Requirements
To design and build an 800 square foot solar dwelling to be erected on the National Mall, Washington D.C. For three weeks in October 2009, the U.S. Department of Energy hosted the Solar Decathlon—a competition in which 20 teams of college and university students competed for the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. Students must submit a design proposal, 70% and a 100% construction document set. Upon completion of the home, it must be transported cross country and re-erected.
Development
Initially design began as gestural flows, considering program of spaces and arrangement of components. As the project progressed I was able to refine many issues with the design by simply building and analyzing 3d computer models. Over the course of 3 months I put together 7 design packages including renderings, models, and basic construction sets. This process allowed for continual growth by means of read and write.
Employing parametric software such as Ecotect, Flow-wizard and I.E.S. I was able to contribute to the team by creating a structural sheet metal system that passively cools solar panels increasing panel efficiency by 30 percent. Sheet metal was a progressive choice considering the amount of recycled material that can be used and its ease of constructability.
Solution
A lightweight modular house was developed to be easily craned onto a steel truss foundation. The final cost of the project is estimated at 600,000 dollars and the house finished 7th in Architecture and 8th in Engineering. It is important to note that this house unlike all others on the mall was 100% designed and built by students. No faculty were involved.
