U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon | Powered by the Sun

Solar Decathlon 2011

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University's entry to the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 was enCORE. enCORE placed fifth overall in Solar Decathlon 2011, won a first-place award in the Comfort Zone Contest, tied for first place in the Hot Water Contest, and took home a third-place finish in the Energy Balance Contest.

After the Solar Decathlon, enCORE was returned to The Ohio State University campus where it is used for research, education, and outreach purposes. More than 100 people attended an open house on October 22, 2013. The two-bedroom, 930-square-foot home can accommodate meetings and class visits.

EnCORE was presented as a family-friendly way of addressing the world’s growing energy problems. The house’s flexible living spaces are arranged around a central core that contains all of the house’s mechanical and plumbing systems.

Photo of enCORE at Solar Decathlon 2011. Enlarge image

The enCORE house features living spaces built around a central mechanical core and was designed for a lower-income family with one child. (Credit: Jim Tetro/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)

Who: The Ohio State University
What: enCORE
Where:
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210
Map This House

Public tours: Not available