SOLAR DECATHLON: Team Massachusetts Takes a Passive Approach with their 4D Home

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/rejoice-solar-decathlon-will-be-held-in-washington-dc-after-all/" target="_blank">2011 Solar Decathlon's</a> Team Massachusetts evokes the East coast sublime with their <a href="http://inhabitat.com/giant-wind-farm-will-link-new-england-and-new-york-power-grids/" target="_blank">New England</a> style 4D home. Using passive strategies and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-oled-tiles-transform-skscrapers-into-zero-energy-displays/" target="_blank">solar</a> technology, the single story house is efficient, affordable, and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/adaptable-live-work-home-wrapped-with-a-beautiful-perforated-facade/" target="_blank">adaptable</a> to a family's changing needs. Comprised of students from both the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, the team focused not only on using <a href="http://inhabitat.com/video-portable-renewable-energy/" target="_blank">renewable energy</a>, but also minimizing energy consumption by integrating <a href="http://inhabitat.com/passivhaus-institute-ends-relationship-with-passive-house-institute-us/" target="_blank">passive technology</a>.

The home is constructed of<a href="http://inhabitat.com/contemporary-seattle-residence-uses-bright-green-fiber-cement/" target="_blank"> fiber cement</a> and wood-clad windows. Since the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/slunakov-eco-education-center/" target="_blank">passive windows</a> and walls are built to collect, store, and distribute <a href="http://inhabitat.com/first-us-solar-thermal-power-plant-in-decades-is-approved-in-california/" target="_blank">solar heat</a> in the winter and reject it in the summer without mechanical or <a href="http://inhabitat.com/electronics-recycling-101-tips-to-repurpose-old-electronics/" target="_blank">electric</a> devices, most of its energy comes from the two solar units in the form of asymmetrical <a href="http://inhabitat.com/a-student-designed-community-garden-sprouts-in-rhode-island/trellis/" target="_blank">trellises</a> offset from the roof.

The first solar array is comprised of 28 <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-ivy-building-integrated-modular-photovoltaic-system-grows-bigger-better/" target="_blank">photovoltaic</a> panels. Additional hybrid solar thermal panels sit behind the first set and are used to heat the house and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/eliosolar-thermal-shades-provide-solar-hot-water-for-a-new-la-home/" target="_blank">hot water</a> system. The trellises also break up the exterior of the home, creating panoramic shaded <a href="http://inhabitat.com/colorful-hawaii-wildlife-center-protects-and-rehabilitates-endangered-species-on-the-big-island/" target="_blank">porches</a> or seating areas.

Inside the home, there are two <a href="http://inhabitat.com/take-your-next-vacation-in-a-floating-off-grid-solarhome/" target="_blank">bedrooms</a>, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and small workspace all set in an open <a href="http://inhabitat.com/circular-pod-tea-house-is-heated-by-compost/" target="_blank">circular</a> plan. Two of the walls are in fact movable partitions, adapting to the various <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architect-barbie-dream-house-winning-design-unveiled-and-it-has-a-green-roof/barbie-dream-house-winner-2/" target="_blank">entertaining</a> or privacy needs of the inhabiting family. A fold down <a href="http://inhabitat.com/modo-designs-airy-building-in-india/" target="_blank">work table </a>is also adhered to the wall behind the kitchen and is naturally lit by a skylight.

Each home appliance is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/your-homes-energy-efficiency-could-be-one-of-the-safest-investments-of-all/" target="_blank">EnergyStar</a> rated, including the various LED lights and even a whirlpool <a href="http://inhabitat.com/refrigerators-that-run-on-magnets/" target="_blank">refrigerator</a> that uses less that $42 of electricity a year.

All of the home's furniture and artwork are designed and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/uk-school-children-build-a-greenhouse-out-of-recycled-plastic-bottles/" target="_blank">fabricated </a>by the students, down to the very last ceramic <a href="http://inhabitat.com/pop-up-boutique-in-former-solar-panel-shop-decorated-with-recycled-materials/" target="_blank">vase</a>.

Team Massachusetts hopes a family will purchase the 4D home after the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/springgreening/category/finalists/" target="_blank">competition</a> so they may measure their energy use and savings.