The building industry stands to learn from new green building technologies being developed by a team of Stanford University students who are working on Start.Home. This project is Stanford’s entry in this year’s Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
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Start.Home integrates technology that allows the home to be customized and be added on to as the needs of its residents change. The 12’x15’x10’ pre-fabricated and pre-engineered core meets the standard of net-zero energy efficiency with features such as open spaces, natural lighting, and passive ventilation. Included in this unit is a 7 kilowatt photovoltaic system that is capable of producing up to 30 kilowatt-hours daily of solar energy.
The Start.home base unit includes a kitchen, bathroom, living areas, and room for mechanical components. The primary structural system of this innovative green design consists of structural insulated panels that are pre-cut before being delivered to the job site. This allows for convenient delivery on a standard-sized truck trailer and for easy construction.
Stanford’s team is just one of 20 teams entered in the Solar Decathlon, which promotes innovation in solar technology based on ten criteria including design, market appeal, affordability, energy balance among other factors.
If you are interested in getting more information about green home design or incorporating elements of Start.Home’s design into your Colorado building project, contact the sustainable building professionals at Trilogy Partners today.
