Purdue University
INhome
The INhome offers a realistic and balanced vision for an ultra-efficient home. The INhome—short for Indiana home—is an innovative, yet practical, house that meets the needs of a typical Midwestern consumer in today's cost-competitive residential market.
Design Philosophy
The INhome blends technological innovation with functional aesthetics to create a living space that appeals to homeowners. It is practical and cost-effective because of its reliance on passive design, which uses natural processes to reduce heating, cooling, and lighting needs.
Features
- A self-watering biowall grows vertically arranged plants.
- The interior finishes contain pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content.
- The multi-process air purification system removes airborne contaminants.
Technologies
- The air-to-air heat pump is the primary heating and cooling source.
- The heat pump hot water heater uses ambient air inside the house to produce hot water.
- Carefully placed ductwork allows for conservation of warm and cool air as it is distributed throughout the house.
Market Strategy
The INhome's target client is a young professional couple, currently without children, in the market for a home in Indiana. The house, which is divided into private and public spaces, features a master bedroom with access to a west-facing porch. The full bathroom includes two sinks so multiple residents can use the space simultaneously. An extra room provides space for a home office or second bedroom.
What's Next
After the Solar Decathlon, the INhome will be placed in an existing neighborhood in Lafayette, Indiana, as part of a broader revitalization effort. The team will work with a nonprofit community organization so that a local family can live in it. Although the INhome will be a private residence, it will also be used for educational outreach and long-term monitoring to validate its performance.
