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Sun City
When 18 teams of students built a solar neighborhood in the
nation's capital, they created a showcase of the best new
technology for conserving energy and harnessing the power of
the sun.
BY JENNIFER WEEKS
Photography by Preston-Schlebusch
Published in the January, 2006 issue.
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Built to Scale
Cornell's team used a simple rectangular design to create a
tight thermal envelope. And because the wall panels are load
bearing, several units can be combined. "They are basically
building blocks," says student Josh Bonaventura-Sparagna.
The team is now developing a business plan to build
2000-sq.-ft. homes.
SOLAR MODULE:
gepower.com
BAMBOO CABINETS:
teragren.com
ULTRATOUCH INSULATION:
bondedlogic.com
CUSTOM SILICA GEL WHEEL:
www.rotorsource.com
ULTRA-EFFICIENCY HEAT PUMP:
americanstandardair.com
FOLDING GLASS DOOR:
nanawall.com
INDUCTION COOKTOP:
divainduction.com
ADVANTIUM OVEN:
geappliances.com
Powering Up The angle of the 56 110-watt PV panels on
the rooftop array can be adjusted to maximize sun exposure
in a range of climates.
Fresh Air A custom energy
recovery ventilator draws outside air through a wheel of
silica gel, transferring heat and humidity from the intake
to the exhaust. This greatly reduces the amount of energy
required to heat and cool the interior.
Cotton Buffer The team chose floor insulation made
primarily of recycled blue jeans--easier and safer than
fiberglass to install, and just as effective.
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