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The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 4Students at the <a href="https://www.mst.edu/" target="_blank">Missouri University of Science and Technology</a> refurbished three disused shipping containers to build a house that proves <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/net-zero/" target="_blank">zero-net homes</a> can be affordable and reliable. The Nest Home was inspired by the shape of a bird's nest, and features reclaimed materials and several sustainable systems such as grey water reuse, efficient lighting, a hydroponic garden and solar panels that provide enough energy to power the house and an electric vehicle. The project was designed for this year's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architecture/solar-decathlon/" target="_blank">Solar Decathlon,</a> which challenges students to design and build solar-powered houses that are cost-effective and energy-efficient.1
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 2The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat2
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 12The Nest Home was designed to accommodate a growing family. It offers both private and common spaces that can be easily expanded by adding more containers to the existing ones.3
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonAn array of 24 photovoltaic panels powers the house and an electric vehicle, with each panel containing a micro-inverter that transforms direct current to alternating current without the need for a centralized inverter.4
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 7The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - bedroom photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat5
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 8Thanks to the greywater reclamation system that provides irrigation for the gardens and the bathroom, the house reduces its water consumption by up to 25 percent.6
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 9The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - bedroom photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat7
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 10The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - bedroom photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat8
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 14Repurposed materials were used throughout the house, from wood siding made from reclaimed shipping pallets to carpeting made from reprocessed fishing nets and insulation made from recycled denim batting.9
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 18The lighting is also automated in order to save energy and detect when the house in empty.10
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 15The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - interior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat11
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 16The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - interior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat12
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 17The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - interior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat13
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and TechnologyThe Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - interior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat14
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 5The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat15
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 3The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat16
The Nest solar home by Missouri University of Science and Technology 6The Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior photo by Mike Chino for Inhabitat17
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior18
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior rendering19
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - exterior20
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonAutomated windows support the HVAC system and help maintain optimal indoor temperatures.21
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - interior22
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home for the 2015 Solar Decathlon by Missouri University of Science and Technology - interior23
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThanks to the greywater reclamation system that provides irrigation for the gardens and the bathroom, the house reduces its water consumption by up to 25 percent.24
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home Solar Decathlon25
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home Solar Decathlon26
The Nest Home Solar DecathlonThe Nest Home Solar Decathlon27
