If you’re in the DC region, a fan of “Not So Big Houses,” and looking to be inspired and amazed this weekend, there’s still time to catch this year’s Solar Decathlon at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park. Sponsored by the US Department of Energy, the Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive–and then invites the public to tour the homes at no cost during the competition’s ten days of judging.
This year there are 19 houses to tour. Some of my personal favorites were:
- Team Appalachian State’s Solar Homestead – The more I explored the Solar Homestead, the more I liked it. Its’ “Great Porch” served as a fully-functioning outdoor kitchen/entertaining space while also acting as a bridge between the main house and the 120-square-foot Flex Om (ie: writer’s studio I’ve always dreamed of). Meanwhile, inside the main house, hidden pocket doors in the kitchen turned the main living space into a home theater…
- Team Middlebury’s Self-Reliance – One of the few homes designed for a family with children, I really liked Self-Reliance’s main living space with its kitchen greenhouse wall and use of Vermont-indigenous maple and slate…
- Team Parsons/Stevens/Milagro’s Empowerhouse – Parsons et. al. partnered with Habitat for Humanity in order to create a home that was not only affordable (a longstanding Habitat for Humanity objective) but also sustainable. After the competition, EMPOWERHOUSE will be transported to the Deanwood neighborhood of DC, a second story with additional bedrooms will be added, and it’s new owners will take immediate occupancy…
- Team Purdue’s INHome – In my opinion, INHome was the most charming of all the entrants–so I was surprised to hear that it had won second place in the affordability competition of the Decathlon. I’m a sucker for wraparound porches, clerestory windows, and biowalls–so Purdue had me at hello…
- Team SciArc/CalTech’s CHIP – With it’s space-age, soft-fabric exterior, tiered floor-plan, and modular, stowable furniture, CHIP stretches the traditional definition of “home.” I couldn’t help but think that while I would require more privacy than the open 750-square-foot layout offered, CHIP would make an amazing Barbie Eco-Dream House for tomorrow’s still-impressionable home-buyers to play with and explore…
The Solar Decathlon runs through October 2nd and is open to the public from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Word to the wise: plan on taking mass transit to the site and know in advance that food and snack options are available–but are pricey and limited. There are also informational workshops running throughout the weekend for homeowners and professional builders. Finally, for those unable to make the event, the Decathlon website offers some great hands-on projects for teachers and families interested in learning more about solar power while enjoying the comforts of their own homes.
Andrea, Thanks for sharing this. All the entries look fabulous and I want the one with the wrap around porch, too! (My daughter is just now applying to Purdue. Hmm. This sure is strong evidence that the school faculty and students can produce fabulous stuff.)