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Title
Build Challenge
Subtitle
2011
Location
Washington, D.C.
Date Start
September 23
Date End
 - October 2, 2011

Canada: University Of Calgary

Solar Decathlon 2011

TRTL – Technological Residence, Traditional Living

TRTL, Canada's entry for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, is a unique response to the culture of Treaty 7 Native Peoples in Southern Alberta. Inspired by the tipi, the house's rounded form, east-facing entrance, and south-facing windows relate to the sun as a traditional source of energy and life. The two-bedroom, open-concept design is flexible and includes ample space for storage, recreation, and communal gatherings for meals.

Design Philosophy

Canada's design integrates technology and tradition. From a technological perspective, green building materials and renewable energy technologies result in a house that is healthy, safe, durable, and affordable. From a traditional perspective, the design is guided by a holistic view of the home as a living part of a greater natural order. The result is TRTL (Technological Residence, Traditional Living), a house that respects the value of culture in promoting sustainability.

Features

TRTL extends beyond its Treaty 7 partners to address issues faced by many native groups in Canada. Its features include:

  • Materials and color palettes that reflect customary art and the natural environment

  • Magnesium oxide-based structural insulated panels that are highly resistant to fire and mold

  • An 8.3-kW photovoltaic system engineered for high performance in Alberta's harsh winter climate.

Technologies

Canada incorporates innovative technologies into its traditional house, including:

  • A highly effective air-to-water heat pump used for space conditioning and hot water production

  • A photovoltaic system that operates at 93% of its optimal efficiency and has a rounded form that responds to the cultural desires of the client

  • A sophisticated control system that allows for monitoring and long-term optimization.

Market Strategy

There are more than 600 native groups in Canada, totaling more than 1.1 million people. Housing failures within and beyond Treaty 7 include sub-standard design, implementation, and maintenance as well as demand that far exceeds supply. The collaborative design, validation, and cross-cultural dialogue employed in the creation of TRTL provide a model for affecting positive change.

Contact

Johann Kyser
Professional Faculties Building
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
Phone: 403-617-2731

Photo of a group of people wearing matching black t-shirts and standing around a model of TRTL. Enlarge image

The members of Canada (courtesy of Canada).

Illustration of TRTL in a plains setting. Mountains are visible in the distance, and a silhouette family is on the front deck. Enlarge image

A computer-generated rendering of Canada's TRTL (courtesy of Canada).

A video walkthrough of Canada's Solar Decathlon house.

Neither the United States, nor the Department of Energy, nor the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC, nor any of their contractors, subcontractors, or their employees make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness for any purpose of any technical resources or data attached or otherwise presented here as reference material.