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LUMENHAUS<p>The metal-clad <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/23/sun-powered-lumenhaus-has-a-shifting-solar-facade/">Lumenhaus</a> has attracted a lot of attention at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-decathlon/">Solar Decathlon Europe </a>for its deeply integrated design and ability to adjust to a number of weather conditions. A potent design that embraces the Bauhaus tradition to illuminate sustainable technology, it also packs a spacious living space into just 800 square feet. <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/23/sun-powered-lumenhaus-has-a-shifting-solar-facade/">Introduced at the 2009 Solar Decathlon</a>, the Virginia Tech team is looking like a favorite to blast away the competition and win this year’s event. Are you rooting for Team Lumenhaus? Let us know in the comments!1
LUMENHAUSThe home is modest is size. In fact, you can simply <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?attachment_id=130547">hook a semi</a> to it and move it anywhere you want.2
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LUMENHAUSBut don’t be fooled - they packed a lot of living into the Lumenhaus.4
LUMENHAUS interiorThe center of the home houses the bathing area, while the outer walls are flanked by a bedroom and kitchen.5
bedroom bed folds upMany pieces of furniture have the ability to tuck away to adapt the space for other activities.6
LUMENHAUSThe dramatic outside screens can close when the home detects hot or incremental weather, but still let natural light in through the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/11/exciting-advances-in-insulation-with-aerogel/">aerogel</a> translucent wall panels.7
Grey water reclamation pondThe Lumenhaus's greywater reclamation pond.8
LUMENHAUSThe solar array on the roof adjusts its pitch to maximize its solar profile and provides the energy to run a dual heat pump.9
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LUMENHAUSThe Lumenhaus loo or maybe we should say "lu."14
LUMENHAUSThe interior of the Lumenhaus is quite spacious.15
Image from our 2009 coverage in Washington DCThe Lumenhaus's patio area.16
LUMENHAUS portablilityThe Lumenhaus is extremely portable due to its easily manageable size.17
System DiagramThe heating system uses radiant floor heat that is served by a water-to-water and water-to-air heat pump connected to a ground source coil.18
dual shadingA diagram of the Lumenhaus's sophisticated dual shading system.19
light screenThe integrated controls in the house let you adjust the entire lighting and climate system from an iPhone interface or let the home smart metering do the thinking for you.20
Image from our 2009 coverage in Washington DCYou can even change the light color rending with the advanced <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/11/05/philips-led-bulbs/">LED lighting</a> system.21
Image from our 2009 coverage in Washington DCThe LUMENHAUS is named for its “power of light” attributes and architectural references to the BauHaus movement, and was particularly inspired by Mies Van Der Rohe’s Farnsworth House.22
Image from our 2009 coverage in Washington DCLike its historic reference, it is comprised of all glass walls, maximizing exposure to natural daylight.23
Image from our 2009 coverage in Washington DCThe house features an automated “Eclipse System” of highly insulated translucent panels that filters the light using independent sliding layers, creating an ever-changing pattern throughout the day.24
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Image from our 2009 coverage in Washington DCLearn more about the house in this <a href="http://www.lumenhaus.com/eu/documentary/index.html">10 minute video documentary </a>explaining how the home works.26
