New Zealand Team Unveils FirstLight House for Solar Decathlon 2011 In D.C.

Inspired by the traditional Kiwi bach, a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/new-zealand">New Zealand</a> beach vacation home, the FirstLight House is the first entry in the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-decathlon">Solar Decathlon</a> competition from the southern hemisphere. Designed by a team of architecture students at the Victoria University of Wellington, FirstLight has a strong focus on outdoor living, lots of natural daylight and a big emphasis on using locally sourced New Zealand materials. Construction is complete on the Kiwi Solar Decathlon home and was on display to the public throughout May in Wellington before the team begins packing up to head to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rejoice-solar-decathlon-will-be-held-in-washington-dc-after-all/">DC</a>.

Sponsored by Meridian Energy, the FirstLight House is so named because New Zealand is the first country to start the new day.

Characterized by its use of locally sourced wood, daylighting and a direct connection with the outdoors, Team Kiwi's Solar Decathlon house is certain to turn some heads come September.

Although inspired by traditional New Zealand beach houses used primarily in the summer, this home is meant for year round living.

It makes use of high performance New Zealand eco wool insulation and locally and sustainably sourced woods.

Sliding shutters allow the home to adjust to climatic conditions allowing more shade or sun, and it makes use of thermally zoned areas, which further reduces the overall HVAC loads.

An external canopy over the house provides shade in the summer and support for the home's solar system, comprised of both Mitsubishi Electric polycrystalline solar panels and solar thermal hot water heating panels.

LED lighting, a high efficiency heat pump and energy monitory further help to reduce energy use within the home.

Decking around the entire house expands the living space and encourages the inhabitants to spend more time out of doors.

The kitchen and dining area opens up to a small study.

A flexible living room can also be used for another sleeping area.

Model of the FirstLight house shows off the large outdoor living areas.

A large canopy provides support for the solar systems.

Rendering of the FirstLight house in New Zealand encourages the inhabitants to spend more time outside.