FIU to participate in 2011 Solar Decathlon

The U.S. Department of Energy announced April 15 that FIU is one of only 20 teams invited to participate in the Solar Decathlon 2011. The FIU team, consisting of architects, landscape architects, interior designers, mechanical engineers, civil/environmental engineers, construction managers, and journalists, was asked to prepare design proposals for a fully solar-powered house to be completed by interdisciplinary teams of students and faculty.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, energy efficient and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends cost effectiveness, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

FIU’s submission PerFORM[D]ance is a solar-powered house that performs in real time by sensing and responding to the generation and acquisition of energy “dances” in response to the external conditions of its environment and the internal conditions of its use.

A contemporary interpretation of traditional porches, PerFORM[D]ance’s canopy features a versatile design that adapts to the local tropical climate and allows various levels of enclosure. A counterbalance system allows the adjustable perimeter louvers to swing open, forming a wide canopy that fully shades the interior and exterior spaces. The louvered panels can also close tightly against the house to serve as hurricane shutters. Innovative, building-integrated photovoltaics and solar thermal systems provide the highest levels of comfort for residents and the lowest possible impact on the environment.

For more information visit the Solar Decathlon website.