In Small Spaces

This week, the United States Department of Energy is hosting the Solar Decathlon on the National Mall in Washington, DC.  This contest challenges 20 college teams from around the globe in 10 contests to design, build, and operate the most livable, energy-efficient, and completely solar-powered house.  These houses must power all the home energy needs of a typical family using only the power of the sun.

Team Boston Lives Efficiently in a Small Space

I got an in-depth tour of the Team Boston house from Stephen Messinger, from the Boston Architectural College.   His team designed a house that is sustainable, affordable, and adaptable.  The house is powered by 28 photovoltaic solar panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity.  Solar thermal collectors use sunlight to heat water for the sinks, shower, appliances, and radiant floor heating system.  Pipes beneath the floor carry hot water that evenly and comfortably heat the home with very little need for electricity.  There’s also ”heat glass” window technology along one side that provides the majority of warmth to the home.  The entire house is designed to maximize efficiency for a small space.  The furniture from the bed to the shelfing is modular so it can easily be moved around to create more privacy or to open up a space to a larger group of people.

If you are in Washington, DC up until October 18th, take a look at what these smart folks have designed that revolutionizes how we will use energy in our homes in the future.  And, get some ideas on live well in a small, highly efficient space.  The Solar Decathlon houses will be open for public tours from 11 a.m.­–3 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.  To see who wins the contest, check in with the U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon website.