Time lapse documentation of the assembly of North House on the National Mall at the US Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon.
Dir: James Anthony Usas
Original Score: Vacuity
www.vacuity.net
Team Ontario / BC - North House
North House is Team Ontario / BC's entry in US Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon 2009
This video documents the process of designing and constructing North House and the views of the members of the team in the final weeks before the competition begins in October.
Dir: James Anthony Usas
Original Score: Vacuity
www.vacuity.net
North House Exterior Shading
Video demonstrating the operation of the exterior blinds during construction of the North House.
The dynamic exterior shading system of customized exterior venetian blinds that wraps the glazed volume of the house is a fundamental part of the DReSS (Distributed Responsive System of Skins) of the North House.
North House is structured and constructed in layers, with each layer performing a different task. The idea behind this strategy is that each layer can be optimized for performance and can undergo future research, development and modification, independent of the other layers. The blinds, which have dual operation tilt angles, as well as the ability to be fully retracted, are automated to manage the passive heating and cooling. Simulation modeling shows that dynamic shading, combined with phase change materials in the floor, decreases the cooling load by as much as 90%, while allowing the house to take maximum advantage of passive heating.
North House Glazing and Shading
Video profiling the Glazing and Shading System of the North House.
North House maximizes occupant comfort while minimizing the need for mechanical equipment using DReSS, the Distributed Responsive System of Skins.
High performance windows in combination with dynamic exterior shading harnesses thermal energy throughout the winter while rejecting unwanted heat during the summer. This system also ensures a high degree of daylight control throughout the year.
North House Solar Energy Production
Video profiling the Solar Energy Production system of the North House.
Energy production systems are integrated into virtually every surface of the building.
As a result, North House is estimated to produce twice as much energy as it consumes.
A large PV array on the roof is the primary energy generator, complimented by custom PV cladding on the South, East, and West facades that operate when the sun is at a low angle. Solar Thermal panels on the roof meet the residents needs for hot water, and also provide heat to the building.
North House ALIS
Video profiling the Adaptive Living Interface System
Our system combines interactive technologies with ambient and haptic cues to provide feedback on how the occupants actions affect their energy footprint.
Through a smart-phone or any web-enabled device, the user can easily control house modes, lighting and temperature, and access tools that monitor and analyze real-time, historical, and forecasting data on the energy production and consumption in the home.
North House Assembly
Video profiling the Assembly of the North House
North House is conceived as an 800 square foot prototype of a combination of specially selected building technologies. Each of these prototypical components is able to be expanded and reconfigured to suit mass application across a range of other building sizes and types.
Our components are designed to be pre-manufactured and easily assembled on site. The first is a Dense-pack service zone which houses all mechanical equipment including HVAC, plumbing,laundry, and bathroom; and is sized for easy shipping. Added to this is a series of flat-packable panels that comprise the floor, roof, and walls of the home.
North House Productive Landscape
Video profiling the Productive Landscape of the North House
In working towards Holistic Solar Living, an approach to building and living that incorporates the energy and benefits of the sun in all ways possible, the landscape of the North House has been conceived as a productive landscape.
Food will be grown in the raised bed garden using species have been selected based on their food value, seasonal variation, as well as for their potential for creating micro-ecologies, inviting birds and desirable insects to the site. The landscape design provides space for drying and canning to preserve garden produce and limit the need for refrigeration.
2007 Solar Decathlon in Washington DC
Sunday Morning on CBS ran a story about the recent Solar Decathlon in washington DC.
