Ultra-Efficient Wuppertal House Blazes a Trail at Solar Decathlon

This super efficient and affordable home by <a href="http://www.aro.net/#/projects/rhouse">Architecture Research Office</a> and <a href="http://dbnyc.com/projects/r_house">Della Valle Bernheimer</a> for the Syracuse School of Architecture hits all the right notes with its modern and sustainable styling. Built to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/hudson-passive-project-becomes-first-certified-passive-house-in-new-york/"> Passive House</a> standards, R-House's compact space is designed to feel much larger with an innovative roof and silvery galvanized exterior. And we aren't the only ones who think this house is a winner - it recently took home a 2011 AIA Homes of the Year Award.

The home won <a href="http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2011/housing-awards/r-house/index.htm">recognition by AIA</a> by simple addition-- style + affordability + performance.

The 1,100 square foot house came in at below $150,000 which is a pretty good value, but that just the beginning of its economy. Using the aggressive <a href="http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PHIUSHome.html">Passive House standard</a> for a super efficient shell the home needs no dedicated heating system.

Most of the time the occupants and appliances will be enough to maintain temperature.

The southern windows allow for<a href="http://inhabitat.com/japans-otake-house-showcases-sleek-passive-solar-design/"> solar heating </a>and abundant light and a finished concrete floor maintains that heat for a New York winter day.

Like any Passive House the core mechanical system is a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2011/03/R-House-8.jpg">Heat Recovery Ventilator </a>which maintains fresh air without the energy penalty.

The R-House uses a simple coil connected to the sealed combustion hot water heater and HRV to add heat when needed.

The angular shape echos the neighborhood's roof line, but with a slight of hand the roof line seems to flip from the front of the home to the back. A porch is cleverly sliced into the front of the home.

The resulting tall ceiling and windows grab light and views from the south. A simple mix of wood, concrete and plywood panels keep the interior honest and interesting without high costs.

In getting<a href="http://inhabitat.com/alchemy-architects-barn-inspired-house-with-a-twist-wins-aia-award/"> AIA recognition </a>the home fuses affordability, performance with a simple, striking design that is both replicable but distinct.