Appalachian State’s Solar Homestead Brings Adaptability and Independent Living to the 2011 Solar Decathlon

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-decathlon/">2011 Solar Decathlon</a> is in full swing, with student teams from around the world battling it out at the National Mall in Washington D.C for the grand prize title of best solar home. This year's 19 solar-powered entries run the gamut from modern and quirky to suburban and traditional, but all boast brilliant and innovative energy saving twists. Appalachian State has certainly created a standout structure with a user-specific approach to their <a href="http://www.solardecathlon.gov/team_appalachian_state.html" target="_blank">Solar Homestead</a> design. Their <a href="http://www.solardecathlon.gov/team_appalachian_state.html" target="_blank">Solar Homestead</a> has been built for the new homesteader of Asheville, North Carolina, an emerging group that values independence, the land, and the environment. Unlike some of the one-unit cubes in the running, this house boasts a mobile footprint and has been engineered as a series of outbuilding modules (OMs) inspired by the traditional mountain lifestyle, which places independence and adaptability at its heart.

While taking inspiration from a simpler way of being, the house is far from traditional.

Numerous energy saving measures and sustainable materials turn the homestead into a spectacular abode.

It's flexible construction suits the current needs of the occupants, and can easily be adapted to suit changing needs or even a new set of inhabitants.

A limited budget has made <a href="http://inhabitat.com/adaptable-live-work-home-wrapped-with-a-beautiful-perforated-facade/" target="_blank">adaptability</a> a top theme this year<a href="http://www.solardecathlon.gov/team_appalachian_state.html" target="_blank">.

The Solar Homestead</a> exemplifies this facet of sustainable design better than most. 

A half-bath, outdoor shower and outdoor kitchen can be flexibly transitioned into an office, guest bedroom or independent cabin space.

Nearly 900 square feet of flexible space is arranged around the great porch, allowing for plenty of natural light to permeate the spaces, in turn minimizing electricity needs. Forty-two photovoltaic panels terrace the roof and power the home.

Bringing this net-zero building to the world stage was the result of large scale collaboration between Appalachian State's student and faculty community. The results speak to the idea that energy independent living can be stylish and comfortable.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/sustainable-interior-design/" target="_blank">Textured materials</a> add interest and evoke a natural harmony with the surroundings, negative spaces in furniture allows a flow of air and the elements, and a great porch connects the mobile buildings while standing exposed the wide open landscape.

Outside of functional design, the Appalachians proved their worth as entertainers by tying with <a href="../first-light-team-new-zealands-solar-decathlon-house-puts-an-innovative-twist-on-the-basics/" target="_blank">New Zealand</a>, <a href="../team-canadas-solar-decathlon-trtl-solar-shell-home-is-perfect-for-native-canadians/technological-residence-traditional-living-sd-team-canada-11/" target="_blank">Canada</a> and <a href="../watershed-university-of-marylands-solar-decathlon-home-gives-more-than-it-takes/" target="_blank">Maryland</a> for first place in the home entertainment contest.

A gourmet autumn-inspired menu of squash soup, mac + cheese muffinettes, stuffed mushrooms, Carolina dry rub pork chops and apple blueberry bars may have played a part in the neighbors' positive reception of this mountain dwelling.

Appalachian State brought in graphic designers and chefs to create this recipe for Homestead Hummus. It was enjoyed with neighbors as part of the team's Saturday meal.

Constructing and designing this net-zero building and bringing it to the world stage was the result of large scale collaboration between Appalachian State's student and faculty community.

The results speak to the idea that energy independent living can be modern and culturally affirming.

The Appalachians tied <a href="../first-light-team-new-zealands-solar-decathlon-house-puts-an-innovative-twist-on-the-basics/" target="_blank">New Zealand</a>, <a href="../team-canadas-solar-decathlon-trtl-solar-shell-home-is-perfect-for-native-canadians/technological-residence-traditional-living-sd-team-canada-11/" target="_blank">Canada</a> and <a href="../watershed-university-of-marylands-solar-decathlon-home-gives-more-than-it-takes/" target="_blank">Maryland</a> for first place in the home entertainment contest, proving that the independent types can satisfy socially as well.

Keep following Inhabitat's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/solar-decathlon/">coverage</a> of the <a href="http://www.solardecathlon.gov/about.html" target="_blank">2011 Solar Decathlon</a> to see which home wins the heat!