Tidewater Virginia: Old Dominion University and Hampton University
Unit 6 Unplugged
Unit 6 Unplugged is a modular house that blends seamlessly into a historic center-city neighborhood. Unit 6 is conceived of as part of a larger, six-unit multifamily building. By sharing infrastructure costs between units of the building, this energy-efficient house is made more affordable.
Design Philosophy
The architecture of the house draws inspiration from the arts and crafts-style homes found throughout the center-city neighborhoods of Norfolk, Virginia. The house consists of three sections: a pergola integrated into the utility core, a main module with the solar panels and porch, and a living space that features nearly floor-to-ceiling windows.
Features
- A small circulation corridor divides the service and work section of the house from its relaxing and living areas.
- A transformable porch with motorized windows allow it to be open to the outside or an enclosed sunspace.
- The rain screen cladding is made of medium-density overlay plywood panels and vertical battens.
Technologies
- The photovoltaic modules convert more than 18% of sunlight into electrical energy.
- Window and door sensors provide security system information and prevent the HVAC system from operating when either is open.
- The hot water storage tank replaces the auxiliary heating coil with an inline heater to minimize losses.
- Light switches powered by remote transmitters can be placed anywhere in the house and never require replacement batteries.
Market Strategy
Norfolk's young professionals, which include substantial numbers of recent graduates and military personnel, are the target market for Unit 6. However, the appeal of living in a walkable, historic center-city neighborhood is large.
What's Next
Unit 6 will return to Norfolk, where it will serve as a design studio shared by architecture and engineering students from both schools. This will continue the collaboration between disciplines fostered by Solar Decathlon 2011.
