SURE HOUSE

Ultra low energy home

By Cutright Elizabeth on Mar 23, 2016 in Technology

The SURE HOUSE strikes a balance between mitigating and protecting against the vagaries of climate change and extreme weather all under one charming, beach cottage roof.

The winner of the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon for 2015, the SURE HOUSE is an entirely solar-powered structure designed to make the most of the weather, including sunny days and stormy nights while providing its inhabitants with a comfortable, modern dwelling.

Designed by the Stevens Institute of Technology, the SURE HOUSE rose to the top of a roster including 14 collegiate teams competing for a shot at developing the country’s most innovative, sustainable and marketable solar home. Occurring every two years, the Solar Decathlon challenges participants to design efficient, economical, and visually appealing solar-powered habitation. The teams must construct and operate their proposed habitats, which are then judged on “affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.”

With an eye toward the challenges posed by climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, the SURE HOUSE splits the difference between a charming beach cottage and hurricane safe-house. During sunny, mild days, the building’s design takes advantage of outdoor space by opening up to reveal a combination of decks and patios modeled after “the quintessential 60’s style modern beach cottage.” Its integrated solar panels, meanwhile, can produce up to 10,000 watts of power.

While the design may be inspired by the 1960s, SURE HOUSE only requires 90% less energy than a conventional house. Its “ultra-low energy consumption” comes primarily from the incorporation of highly efficient appliances, including a solar-powered electric water heater and an energy recovery ventilation system, along with zoned heat pumps for heating, cooling, and dehumidification. Additionally, an extremely efficient building envelope helps manage indoor temperature and reduce HVAC demand.

While the SURE HOUSE sparkles with solar panels during fair weather, it’s when the storm clouds hit that it truly shines. The SURE HOUSE electrical system is connected to the grid but capable of producing 3000 watts of emergency power in the event of a grid failure. In anticipation of a hurricane-force wind and rain, the edifice incorporates storm shutters and a “storm resistant construction” that includes a waterproof foundation and durable fiber-composite siding. There’s also a USB charging station located on the exterior to allow for public use during natural disasters or other crisis.

Ultimately, the SURE HOUSE manages to find the middle ground between efficiency and emergency. By both planning for the adverse effects of climate change and incorporating ways to reduce its impact on the environment, the SURE HOUSE presents an archetype for future structural sustainability.

In explaining the inspiration behind the SURE HOUSE design, the Steven’s Institute of Technology website explains, “Architecture can be seen as fundamentally an act of balance. To balance the competing imperatives; that of our desire for openness and yet protection, visibility and yet privacy, innovation and yet reliability, performance and yet economy – the architecture of the SURE HOUSE must find a balance that delivers security, functionality and delight… all within 1000 square feet.”