The 2011 Solar Decathlon is heating up as 20 teams of students from around the world construct stunning, energy-efficient homes at the National Mall’s West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. The competition officially opens on September 23rd, but we’re excited to bring you a first look at each of this year’s incredible solar powered homes – hit the jump to check out the state of the art in green building!
The perFORM[D] House by Florida International University is an open design that responds to its environment and its inhabitants. Like Paul Rudolph’s Cocoon House, it has operable louvers that can be raised or lowered to provide privacy, shade and protection from the elements.
Hawaii’s model home, which unfortunately was withdrawn, was designed to meet the needs of middle-income buyers in a tropical climate. Hale Pilihonua features a design based on louvers and an integrated aquaponics system.
Re_home, by the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, is an easily transported home that is perfect for disaster relief conditions. The eco-friendly and comfortable mobile home will offer flexible living spaces for a family who has lost their home due to a natural disaster.
The Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem was the inspiration for the University of Maryland’s WaterShed house. Featuring a split butterfly roof, the house focuses on water by recycling, conserving and managing storm runoff.
The sturdy Self-Reliance house is a 2 bedroom gabled home with a living green wall in the kitchen. Designed by Middlebury College, it focuses on communal areas for family bonding.
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