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Hurricane-Resistant SURE HOUSE Wins the 2015 Solar Decathalon (energy.gov)

Posted by timothy on from the variably-permeable dept.

Kristine Lofgren writes: The SURE HOUSE, designed and built by the Stevens Institute of Technology, was announced today as the winner of the 2015 Solar Decathlon. The uber-efficient house exceeds Passive House standards and uses less than 10-percent of the energy that a standard house consumes. But beyond solar-powered efficiency, the house is also designed to be open and breezy when the weather is good, but when a hurricane strikes, the house can be locked tight against the onslaught. In fact, it's so tough that it can act as a solar powered community center for an area hit by a natural disaster. Congratulations to the SURE HOUSE team! The team's website has some additional pictures, as well as more explanation of their design decisions.

5 of 51 comments (clear)

  1. huge open windows facing a busy walkway? by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 2

    I guess they designed it for the energy conscious exhibitionist.

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    1. Re:huge open windows facing a busy walkway? by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 3, Insightful

      As the article states, it's a beach cottage, not a year-round family home. It any case, they make these things called curtains, you can open and close them for privacy.

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  2. Re:Okay, sounds good... by Mr+D+from+63 · · Score: 2

    Don't know about the total cost, but most of the energy savings claims are from using ultra efficient appliances, like a hybrid heat-pump washer dryer. I bet those are quite pricey.

  3. Re:The average NJ house must be terrible... by Solandri · · Score: 2

    Where'd you get those numbers? The average U.S. household uses 10,908 kWh/yr.

  4. Most of the homes are on display in So. California by Solandri · · Score: 2

    Not sure why the summary concentrated on just the winner. This is an annual competition where teams from different schools (and sometimes companies) build energy-efficient homes. Most of the entrants are on display in Irvine, California until the 18th. Free admission.

    As with most things in life, there is no single "best" answer. While they do pick a winner, if you take the time to visit the exhibit and browse the different homes, you'll see a lot of really great ideas on how to save energy.