Team Canada – TRTL House
The TRTL, which stands for “Technological Residence, Traditional Living”, is a teepee inspired home designed by Team Canada specifically for the Native Peoples of southern Alberta. An impressive arched solar roof is paired with modular design and construction and a house layout designed for large family gatherings.
Why we like it: The TRTL house is more than just energy-efficient design – it could provide quality housing solutions for people on reservations.
Florida International University – perFORM[D]ance House
Florida International University’s perFORM[D]ance home is a classic beach bungalow that features passive solar design, natural ventilation and a hurricane resistant design. Retractable glazing and operable louvers provide low-tech solutions with a high impact design.
Why we like it: The perFORM[D]ance house is symmetrical pleasing with a modernistic style we think could become really popular – plus they get extra points for a disaster resistance.
Team Maryland – WaterShed House
The bright minds at the University of Maryland created the WaterShed, an impressive one bedroom home that goes beyond net zero energy. Inspired by the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, water is at the heart of the home, but it also relies on the sun, wind and other interconnected systems for energy efficiency in hopes of giving back to the surrounding ecosystem. The walls even feature edible plants!
Why we like it: The WaterShed fully integrates solar energy and efficient water management to create a home that is just as green as it is gorgeous.
CCNY – Solar Roofpod House
City College New York blew us away with their design for a solar-powered house specifically for rooftops. The house makes use of lightweight and environmentally friendly materials, and even includes space for an outdoor garden.
Why we like it: Representing the urban market, the Solar Roofpod House is certain to make waves in the city – a place that has been largely under-represented in this competition until now.
Victoria University – FirstLight house
Inspired by the traditional Kiwi bach, the FirstLight House by the Victoria University of Wellingtonis the first entry in the competition from the southern hemisphere. A dynamic design is coupled with local materials from New Zealand (including eco wool insulation!) and natural daylight is ample within.
Why we like it: Team New Zealand’s home is sure to be a real crowd pleaser, and we’ll be happy to get a first hand taste of Kiwi design and materials. We just hope they remembered to design it for the Northern Hemisphere!
SCi_Arch and Caltech – CH:IP House
With a dynamic duo like SCI_arc and Caltech working together, we’re certain to see something astounding. Their CH:IP house (Compact House:Increasing Possibility) is enveloped in a heavily insulated quilt which takes inspiration from an astronaut’s suit.
Why we like it: High-tech and heavily engineered, the CH:IP house is at the cross-section of space travel and sustainable building.
Parsons – Empowerhouse
Our guess for the humanitarian award though goes to the Empowerhouse by Parsons The New School for Design, the Milano School, and Stevens Institute of Technology. The prefab home features a great contemporary design and all the best strategies for energy efficiency. Plus it will be merged with another house in DC’s Deanwood neighborhood to serve as housing for two lucky families.
Why we like it: Going above and beyond, the Empowerhouse is more than just a student project, as it will provide a low maintenance and low energy home for two families.
