808B West 10th Street

This is the 2005 Solar House. The design was modeled after Frank Lloyd Wright's "prairie style." This style uses the golden ratio often which gives the house a natural feeling. The design tries to bring nature into the house through the use of muted, more natural colors as well as strategically placed windows for copious amounts of natural light. The house's natural feeling compliments its friendliness towards nature. The house features several energy efficient systems and appliances.

Electrical and Mechanical Systems

 This house is unique in the way it obtains its energy. The electricity and hot water are acquired off of the same area on the roof. Thin amorphous solar panels are lined with water tubes behind the panels in a standing seam copper roof. The water is heated while cooling the panels which increase the efficiency of the panels themselves. In addition, this system creates a more integrated photovoltaic system as can be seen in the photo below.

Construction & Structural Systems

 The 2005 house built with a structural insulating panels(SIPs). This system is far more efficient than standard stick construction. With this system, the walls can achieve an R value greater than 40. The system is composed of polystyrene foam sandwiched between two pieces of plywood.

Appliances

 This house features a variety of energy efficient appliances. Almost every appliance features the Energy Star label which shows estimated cost of operation annually. One of the more prominent appliances is the induction cook top. This cook works through magnetic induction which causes the metal pan to heat up rather than the actual cooktop itself. Also in the kitchen is a GE Advantium convection oven.