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- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonOne of the most amazing parts of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-decathlon">Solar Decathlon</a> entries this year is how the teams are going above and beyond to design solutions that are more than just homes. <a href="http://teamtidewatervirginia.com/index_ie8.html" target="_blank">Team Tidewater Virginia</a>, who draws member from Old Dominion University and Hampton University, have designed a prototype home to test theories and systems for what will eventually become affordable, multi-family residences. The core mechanical systems are housed in a small room next to the house, which relies on solar photovoltaic, solar hot water and a strong dose of solar passive design. Although <a href="http://teamtidewatervirginia.com/tour/tour.html" target="_blank">Unit 6</a> is a modular house with traditional architecture written all over it, expect it to be a strong contender given its use of smart systems, rainwater collection and greywater recycling.1
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonThe team took inspiration for its design from the arts and crafts-style homes found throughout the center-city neighborhoods of Norfolk, Virginia.2
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonCraftsman style lines, windows and decor put this home in a more traditional light, which could likely appeal to a wide audience, especially those living in historic neighborhoods.3
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonBut after you get past the aesthetics, there's nothing about this home that is traditional.4
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar Decathlon<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/passive-solar-design">Passive solar design</a> plays a staring role with south facing windows that take in the sun during the winter, and large overhangs and shades that block it out in the summer.5
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonA retractable window in the living room transforms the space into an open-air porch, and a pocket window into the kitchen encourages natural ventilation.6
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar Decathlon<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/modular-housing">Modular construction</a>, allows Team Tidewater to pick up each room for easy transport up to DC, and a high performance facade will maintain the thermal balance.7
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonHigh performance windows keep the heat and the cold out, while smaller windows on the north side still allow daylighting, but minimize losses.8
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonThe mechanical core with the inverters, solar hot water tanks, and other systems are housed in a small room off to the west of the house next to the porch.9
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonWindow and door sensors provide security information and tell the HVAC system how to operate if the home is open or closed.10
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonUnit 6 is designed as a prototype for a much larger 6-unit multi-family housing project. These buildings have six units stacked on either side of a central circulation and mechanical core.11
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonEach unit has a deep porch, to provide shade to the living room and encourage natural ventilation, while other windows are shaded from the sun.12
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonJust like in Unit 6, the mechanical core is stored off to the side of the house and shared with the other apartments as a way to increase the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/affordable-housing">affordability</a>.13
- Team Tidewater Virginia-Solar DecathlonTeam Tidewater has been researching systems and performance for two six pack buildings that are being prepared for construction in Norfolk.14