Solar Decathlon 2002

University of Texas at Austin: Maximizing Potential

Students from the University of Texas at Austin designed the Mobile Utility Unit for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2002. Their part-modular building, part-Airstream trailer is now permanently parked at the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (CMPBS) in Austin, Texas.

CMPBS was founded by Pliny Fisk, the team's architecture faculty lead, in 1975. It is the oldest nonprofit organization focused on sustainable design, research, and education in the U.S. The organization's 18-acre site features experimental structures such as the Advanced Green Builder Demonstration Home as well as a library and a metal and wood fabrication shop.

The Mobile Utility Unit is generally known as "Solar D" in this neighborhood. It has served primarily as an office and demonstration building at the center, but it sometimes houses guests and interns as well. On the first Friday of every month, Fisk and his partner, Gail Vittori, open the house to the public for tours.

"[The house] has hosted countless memorable parties and tours," says Fisk. "CMPBS staff and interns have a particular fondness for the Airstream mobile kitchen."

Although the overall structure of the house remains the same, CMPBS has made weatherization improvements to the building envelope with volunteer help from American Youthworks. A window-mounted AC unit was added in summer 2010. CMPBS is also assessing the ice battery, photovoltaic, and solar hot water systems for potential performance improvements.

The University of Texas Solar Decathlon 2002 house is one of many projects that will be featured in a commemorative book in development for CMPBS' 35th anniversary. This confirms Fisk and Vittori's belief that one of the Mobile Utility Unit's lasting legacies will be its ability to continue serving as a teaching tool and inspiration source.

Content Last Updated: September 15, 2010