SNEAK PEEK: See Inside the Delta, NYC’s Very First Self-Powered Building

Unveiling a new building in 99 degree weather with no air conditioning doesn't sound ideal - unless, that is, said building is the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/the-delta-residential-building-in-brooklyn-is-100-powered-by-solar-and-wind-energy/">first one in NYC that can power itself</a>. Dubbed the Delta, the self-sustaining residential property was opened to the press last night by green developers <a href="http://www.voltaicsolaire.com/" target="_blank">Voltaic Solaire</a>, and the balmy conditions in the city just happened to be the perfect opportunity to showcase its smart design. If you've been <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/the-delta-residential-building-in-brooklyn-is-100-powered-by-solar-and-wind-energy/">following our coverage of the Delta</a>, you know that it is equipped with solar panels and a vertical wind turbine that allow it to meet 100% of its energy needs without tapping into the grid, and yesterday, we also got to experience its effective passive cooling and ventilation on one of the hottest nights of the year. Click through our gallery to see our <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/photos-voltaic-solaire-unveils-first-nyc-building-that-powers-itself/delta-by-voltaic-solaire-49/?extend=1">photos inside the Delta's two compact and cleverly-organized apartments</a>, which will be available for short-term rental starting this August as well some of the building's other super-futuristic technologies. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/photos-voltaic-solaire-unveils-first-nyc-building-that-powers-itself/delta-by-voltaic-solaire-49/?extend=1">See-through solar panels</a>, anyone?

"If we can develop a building that powers itself, on an unusual trianglular lot in one of the most code-heavy cities in the world, our hope is to serve as a model, and inspire other developers around the world to do the same,” Voltaic Solaire CFO Ron Faia told Inhabitat NYC.

The studio is 375 sf. and has fold-down tables and a murphy bed.

This table folds up so that you can save space while it's not in use.

The murphy bed in action.

The apartments are equipped with two different kinds of LED lightbulbs, so that occupants can change the look and feel of their homes during the day and night.

The finishes make use of reclaimed concrete with recycled glass.

Voltaic Solaire had to build above the staircase, so they incorporated smart storage above that nook.

What it looks like to view the world through a transparent solar panel. Pretty f'in cool.

"This is a matter of energy independence, of environmental responsibility, and frankly of national security. In the event of a terrorist attack, catastrophic weather or blackouts, a system of decentralized power is the best way to all of these concerns," explained Faia.

Equipped with a solar roof, a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/green-roofed-glass-structure-to-replace-the-south-street-seaport-tourist-mall-at-pier-17/" target="_blank">solar skin</a> and a solar awning which yield a combined capacity of 10.3 KW, the Delta is able to generate a large portion of its occupants' electricity needs.

In addition to solar power, the Delta also harnesses the power of the wind with a compact <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_axis_wind_turbine" target="_blank">vertical axis wind turbine</a> that generates 600W of power almost soundlessly.

Combined, the two technologies are able to make enough energy for the building and even have some left over to send back to the grid.

On our tour yesterday, we also noticed how these functional elements were integrated into the Delta in a way that adds to its aesthetic appeal.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=solar+panels">solar panels</a> on the roof double as a shade for residents enjoying the roof deck and the panels that line the sides form a futuristic, glassy facade.

We were also captivated by the Delta's use of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/transparent-solar-spray-transforms-windows-into-watts/">transparent</a> vertical <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building-integrated_photovoltaics">building-integrated PV panels</a>, which Faia explained to us is the first ever application of this kind on a residential property

Inside, the Delta is actually set up as two separate homes.

A 345 sq. ft. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/5-super-efficient-tiny-new-york-apartments/jpda-shoebox1-2/">studio apartment</a> with a combined kitchen, sleeping area and dining area occupies the second floor and the third, fourth and fifth floors comprise a triplex residence.

A staircase between the floors of the triplex.

The interiors have been outfitted with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/how-to-make-your-own-diy-storage-bed/">transforming furniture</a>, recycled materials, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">IKEA</a> furniture, <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/#latest-home">Samsung</a> electronics, <a href="http://www.sharpusa.com/">Sharp</a> appliances, and lots built-in storage.

The third floor of the triplex is very unusual - it's a combined bathroom/bedroom.

The bathroom in the studio is small but beautifully appointed.

Many of the fixtures are made of recycled metals.

Each unit comes with a super energy efficient air conditioner.

These multi-layered solar shades help keep out unwanted heat.

The top floor of the triplex has a ladder that folds out of the ceiling for access to the rooftop.

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The super efficient solar water heater.

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If you're interested in staying in this self-powered home, you'll have the opportunity to do so starting next month, when it will be opened as a bed and breakfast to showcase Voltaic Solaire’s ethos of philanthropy and sustainability.

"The units will be available late-August for daily rental, at the rate of $150-200 for the studio and $275-350 for the triplex," Mark Robinson, COO of <a href="http://www.voltaicsolaire.com/">Voltaic Solaire</a>, told us.

The Delta is located near public transportation and is about 20 minutes to downtown Manhattan.