Empowerhouse Habitat for Humanity Washington, D.C. The first Passive House in the District of Columbia, the Empowerhouse won first place in the affordability category of the U.S. Department of
The Missouri University of Science and Technology is putting its old entries to the Solar Decathlon to good use by making a model Solar Village. Four solar homes from past competitions are being reused in
Sunny Southern California is set to break out the photovoltaic panels as the U.S. Department of Energy prepares to host the 2013 Solar Decathlon in Orange County, CA. This marks the first time in history
From the very beginning, the Empowerhouse was planned to be more than just an entry for the 2011 Solar Decathlon. Designed and built by a student group from Parsons The New School for Design , Stevens
The top six homes in the final results of the 2012 European Solar Decathlon are: 1. Canopea House by Team Rhône-Alpes 2. Patio 2.12 by Team Andalucia 3. MED in Italy by Team Italy 4. ECOLAR by Team
Four Andalucian Universities used their combined talents to design and construct the Patio 2.12 entry for the European Solar Decathlon. The delightful courtyard at its center creates a very relaxing and
Utilizing the combined power of a couple of efficient photovoltaic panels and bicycles employed as dynamos, the Ciclalab team provided the crowds with music and entertainment all weekend. Both the panels
Team Brasil chose wood as the main construction materials for their solar-powered Ekó House since these are more readily available in their home country and because they help to raise awareness of the
The PRISPA's envelope has a dual function: not only does the photovoltaic array produce twice as much energy as the home can use, but it also provides solar protection. Albeit a rather expensive
Constructed from scratch in just under two weeks, the elegant but strong form of the Para Ecohouse creates an impressive dwelling for a couple to live comfortably in a sustainable manner. The simple
The simple but elegant design of the exterior is mirrored inside, providing a comfortable and airy living area. The upgraded tatami mats (seen above) double as seating and bedding if required. As
Designed by the Technical University of Denmark, the Plus Energy FOLD House is a versatile modular home that can be configured in a variety of different ways depending on how its site is laid
Team Inhabitat is currently on-scene in Madrid to bring you coverage of all 19 Solar Decathlon Europe Teams as their sun-powered projects compete to be the world's most efficient solar home. Stay tuned
In addition to its unique circular shape which results in a heat reduction loss of 11%, Casa Pi is the only home made of concrete. Reinforced with glass, this material has a high thermal mass that will
To the team from Denmark that is presently working around the clock to finish the Fold House in time for the official SDE 2012 opening, sustainability entails a collective mindset that requires a sense of
The rooftop PV array will provide the house with all anticipated electrical energy requirements. Half of these panels are positioned on four sliding plinths. This is intended for use on hot days, so the
Combining hi and lo technology to create a comfortable powerhouse suitable for the Mediterranean climate, team Roma focused a lot of attention on Med in Italy's thermal massing. Being a more eco-friendly
The one story, 60 square-meter house draws a lot of inspiration from traditional Japanese tea houses, but attempts to overcome past efficiency problems by using vacuum insulated wall, ceiling and window
The lattice work on the outer shell is created from bamboo, a traditional Chinese material that is more sustainable than timber due to its rapid regrowth. By using mortise and tendon joints it adds to the
Designed for a couple without children, Counter Entropy is almost completely open save for the bathroom, which is slightly set apart on the northern side. A large cantilevering roof made of seven prefab
The final design submitted to competition will link four different modules to the central patio which is enclosed in glass and a faux-vine effect. This is designed to give a natural feel while creating
Of the numerous projects we have already reviewed ahead of the Solar Decathlon's official opening next week, the Astonyshine has been the easiest to navigate so far. Their website is super clear and
Landes Maritime Pine is the main material that was used for the construction of the Sumbiosi prefab by Team ABC. Not only is it readily available, but it also has excellent thermal qualities that help to
The primary material consists of relatively low-cost and lightweight EPS foam that allows unique interior and exterior designs to be created. The blocks are pre-cut prior to arrival at the construction
The latticework outer body interlocks using designs based on ancient stonework found in Egypts classical structures and slides apart in a matchbox fashion. The main building material used is a reinforced
Taking inspiration from tree canopies that absorb 95% of the forest's overall solar energy and capture 30% of the rainfall, the nanotowers are less than 10 stories high and each floor is its own home. The
