Cal Poly’s Solar Decathlon 2015 INhouse Invites the Outdoors In (VIDEO)

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Originally published on 1Sun4All.

The most interesting feature of INhouseCalifornia Polytechnic State University team’s project for the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, might be the covered deck that shares space with the living room. The team used two-sided solar panels (more information below) to cover the outdoor area. A large window wall opens between the two rooms, creating a unique, welcoming space in the house the team says is designed to respond to the university’s spectacular surroundings in San Luis Obispo near the Pacific Ocean.

Ernie Tucker, a member of the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon communications team has more information about how the house was designed and built.

“We focused on creating a coastal home that is true to that climate and the very unique indoor-outdoor living that we have here year-round,” says decathlete Lisa-Marie Mueller.

As such, the architecture is open. A 15-ft glass wall in the living room folds back accordion-style to double the living space.

The design also employs a variety of techniques to boost INhouse’s sustainability. For example, the team installed a gutter system that conveys rainwater to constructed wetlands to help native plants, and the house employs passive ventilation and natural lighting strategies.

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INhouse also boasts several high-tech attributes. The team is using a palm oil–based phase-change material in the ductwork to cut down on HVAC needs. As the material changes between liquid and solid, it stores or releases significant energy. Just 1 in 3 of palm oil material can hold as much energy as 1 cubic ft of concrete.

“It allows us to store a lot more energy in a lot smaller space,” says decathlete Alyssa Parr.

At night, the team can pump cool air to chill the phase-change material, and then, during the day, it can reverse the flow, venting collected heat outside.

In addition, the outdoor deck is covered by bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) panels—with PV on the top and bottom. The array serves as an awning that provides shade but also lets about 25% of light through. The bottom PV collects reflected light bouncing up from the deck, thereby capturing up to 30% more energy than a single layer of PV. The 14 panels (each 6.43 ft by 3.25 ft) not only create a 4.9-kW renewable power system but also form a structure that looks attractive.

“Solar panels don’t just have to be on roofs. They can be integrated into the design,” Parr says.

Solar Decathlon

A second array is part of the core of the house.

The 100-member Cal Poly team, representing 12 majors, took its school’s motto of “learn by doing” seriously during the project. The name and story of the house developed over time.

Says Mueller, “We are now beginning construction and still developing and understanding the meaning of our home and how it relates in the context of the world around us.”

Mueller explains that the name INhouse describes the process the team has been going through—the design, engineering, and construction is really “in house” at Cal Poly. Also, three words—”interactive,” “intuitive,” and “integrated”—describe the technological-meets-natural features of the house. Mostly, it’s learning by doing—a process of iteration and trying many things before reaching a final conclusion.

Solar Decathlon

The group is looking forward to sharing its results with Solar Decathlon visitors.

“Our house will feel big,” says Parr. “INhouse goes to show that in order to live sustainably, there are couple of key things you need, but you don’t have to make comfort sacrifices or completely change your lifestyle.”

Planning on attendingThis year’s competition is scheduled to take place at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, from October 8 through October 18.

The Solar Decathlon competition houses will be open to visitors—free of charge—from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm daily on eight days over two weekends:

  • Thursday, October 8–Sunday, October 11, 2015.
  • Thursday, October 15–Sunday, October 18, 2015.

Video Credit: Crowder/Drury Computer-Animated Walkthrough – Solar Decathlon 2015 | Image Credits: Screen view from the video and Members of the California Polytechnic State University team gather at the Orange County Great Park on January 9, via Carol Laurie/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon


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Amber Archangel

-- I am an artist, painter, writer, interior designer, graphic designer, and constant student of many studies. Living with respect for the environment close at hand, the food chain, natural remedies for healing the earth, people and animals is a life-long expression and commitment. As half of a home-building team, I helped design and build harmonious, sustainable and net-zero homes that incorporate clean air systems, passive and active solar energy as well as rainwater collection systems. Private aviation stirs a special appeal, I would love to fly in the solar airplane and install a wind turbine in my yard. I am a peace-loving, courageous soul, and I am passionate about contributing to the clean energy revolution. I formerly designed and managed a clean energy website, 1Sun4All.com.

Amber Archangel has 195 posts and counting. See all posts by Amber Archangel