SCI-Arc & Caltech’s Solar Decathlon CHIP House is a Crazy Inside-Out Prefab

At the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-decathlon">2011 Solar Decathlon</a> student design competition currently on in Washington DC., <a href="http://www.solardecathlon.gov/team_sci_arc_caltech.html" target="_blank">SCI-Arc and Caltech's</a> CHIP <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/2011-solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Solar Decathlon</a> house is turning a lot of heads with what is, without a doubt, the most uniquely shaped prefabricated house currently sitting in West Potomac Park. The lozenge-shaped, solar home defies every engineering and architectural preconception you might have about green building: it wears its puffy insulation on its proverbial sleeve and features a multi-level, open space interior which is structured more like a mini amphitheater than a home. But don't let the crazy space-age aesthetic deceive you - <a href="http://www.chip2011.com/" target="_blank">CHIP House</a> packs a punch with a custom <a href="http://www.chip2011.com/design_tech.html#Smart_Home" target="_blank">iPad app</a> for energy management and the ability to hold up to 45 solar photovoltaic panels on its puffy white roof.

Currently ranking in at number 8, the net zero <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bliss-house-6-men-build-2-prefab-houses-in-just-6-days-in-north-london/" target="_blank">prefab</a> heralds a new generation of affordable energy-efficient housing.

The CHIP (which stands for “Compact Hyper-Insulated Prototype”) impressed us with its compact, puzzle-like interior, which allows for maximum flexibility within the 750 square foot home.

The living spaces are built on a series of five <a href="http://inhabitat.com/yves-behar-unveils-local-bike-a-utility-cycle-that-makes-running-errands-easy/" target="_blank">platforms</a> that become more private as one ascends into the space - the top floor holds the bedroom.

In a feat of organization, soft modular chairs fit together to be tucked away in custom wall holsters, and a removable table saves space.

The kitchen even holds a snowboard, which doubles as a decorative element above the sink.

CHIP’s boxy shape and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/spains-hospital-sant-joan-de-rues-infuses-the-urban-environment-with-green-spaces/" target="_blank">slanted roof </a>were designed to maximize solar collection. The unique outer insulation reminds us of a winter coat in appearance as well as in function - it keeps the inside protected from the elements while providing an uncomplicated <a href="http://inhabitat.com/homelesshome-ikea’s-shipping-container-house-questions-the-necessities-of-modern-living/" target="_blank">waterproofing system</a>. It also allows more living space in the interior than would be possible with insulated walls. <br>

The element of the <a href="http://www.chip2011.com/" target="_blank">CHIP House</a> that is generating the most buzz with visitors at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/solar-decathlon/">Solar Decathlon</a> is its personal energy management technology, including the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mysaver-safeguards-your-iphone-ipad-and-ipod-cables-from-damage/" target="_blank">iPad app</a> eGauge which allows residents to monitor, and therefore maintain or decrease their energy usage, and the <a href="http://www.xbox.com/en-US/kinect">XBox Kinect system</a> which is hooked up to the lights and home entertainment, allowing users to control these devices with hand gestures.

It provides detailed information on the energy consumption of the house and the effects of all the home's energy saving features, which include a holistic heating and cooling system, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sloans-innovative-aqus-grey-water-toilet-system-makes-every-drop-count/" target="_blank">wastewater</a> recycling, low-flush toilets, and a 7.8 kW photovoltaic system.

The house is also outfitted with a Control4 system that turns off lights when no one is home, runs the drip irrigation system during dry weather, and even closes blinds to shade the home.

CHIP is a comfortable, well-organized house that utilizes a bevy of high-tech systems to maintain a high degree of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lakeflato-enters-the-prefab-market-with-their-breezy-leed-porch-house/" target="_blank">energy efficiency</a> and teach residents about their power use.