Solar Decathlon Design Partners - Project Profiles

The project goal is to build a passive solar, off-grid, zero energy, year-round residence acquiring certifications in sustainability, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum, PHIUS Zero, One Step Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and the Living Building Challenge. The building should showcase the mechanical equipment and not hide it in a closed-off mechanical space. The home is intended for 3–4 full-time residents, including work-from-home space for 2 people. The Design Partner is also the owner/operator of a water treatment plant and supply system for 50 homes in the area.

This property is owned and has a blighted home on existing 0.92 acres. Water well and roof collection permit have been approved by the state. The property is landlocked with no access to grid power and consists of a primarily northern-sloped hillside with stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

• 1,500–2,000 ft²
• Slab-on-grade radiant heated and cooled floors utilizing a ground source heat pump
• Thermal and photovoltaic solar
• Entirely ADA-accessible to accommodate aging occupants; a pneumatic elevator would be utilized for second floor access
• Investigate alternative plumbing options, such as vacuum flush toilets
• 12-volt DC refrigeration and lighting systems Aquaponic garden and biophilic area for the mechanical equipment display with highly polished copper piping.

Design and permit to be completed for a summer/fall 2022 build; completed before Dec. 31, 2022, to meet tax incentive deadlines; planned move-in date of spring 2023

• Passive design to minimize geothermal and solar loads
• Structural steel/fiberglass and concrete focus areas
• Container reconstruction and repurposed, pre-cast walls and composite floors
• Interior finishes and biophilia will be important to soften the concrete and steel structure's institutional nature.
• Smart home and systems monitoring platform around the Internet of Things, and hardwired products.

The Design Partner was inspired by the earth-sheltered design of Green Magic Homes due to affordability, practicality, and speed of construction (1,500 ft² of shell is $80,000 and a 35-day build). Partner is open to other design suggestions and new ideas, such as a living roof and rainwater collection.

The homeowners plan to build a residential home on a 13-acre lot, and they care deeply about the environment and preserving the relationship with nature on the property. They are motivated to help make zero energy homes more accessible to a broader audience.

The family has two children, ages 7 and 10. The owners are interested in sustainable building materials, energy efficiency, and an ability to use the home for generations, accommodating their needs as they age. The family loves to cook and host, and wants the home to feel warm and inviting. They would like to have fire safety incorporated into their design.

• 2,200–2,600 ft²
• Zero energy
• Passive house
• Connection of indoor and outdoor spaces

The homeowners would like to have the home move-in ready in fall 2022, but they are flexible with their timeline.

The project is intended to be a vacation home in Vermont. The partner is a mechanical engineer and works part time for DLB Associates Consulting Engineers, who can provide guidance on components of the design.

• Less than 1,500 ft²
• Zero energy
• Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certified

Design Phase: fall 2021–spring 2022
Construction Phase: summer 2022–spring 2023