Design of net-zero housing for the DOE Solar Decathlon
Problem statement
Buying a home is one of the most important and most expensive purchases a person can make in their life. There are so many considerations a buyer weighs in their mind when shopping for a house. The size, the location, and the architectural design are all essential aspects to consider, and nowadays an increased portion of potential buyers are shopping with energy efficiency in mind. According to the National Association of Realtors, younger homeowners in the millennial generation are leading the push for renewable energy sources for their homes. However, no one wants to buy a home that they cannot afford. With a lack of affordable housing options available that are highly energy efficient, interested buyers cannot find a home that meets their criteria. Our client, the DOE Solar Decathlon organizers, are looking to provide these buyers with homes that fit their budget and deliver on their energy saving goals through the Solar Decathlon competition. As competitors of said competition, we intend to design a home that is competitively priced in the market, has net-zero energy consumption, and is aesthetically pleasing through highly efficient mechanical systems and renewable energy resources. By learning from the successes and failures of older mechanical systems used in past homes and incorporating new technologies such as energy recovery ventilation and solar panels in the home design, we will be able to provide a house that environmentally concerned buyers will be proud to own.
Team members
Riley Ley – leader
Kevin Dado – communicator
Tyler Neutgens – accountant
Ian Cheng – admin
Client
DOE Solar Decathlon