UNC Charlotte’s entry for the 2013 Solar Decathlon, UrbanEden, is on display in Irvine, Calif. The University is one of 20 academic teams from around the world competing in the U.S. Department of Energy contest.
The Solar Decathlon features a series of 10 contests for each team, tasked with building a solar-powered house that incorporates energy-efficient construction and appliances as well as renewable energy systems.
As part of the decathlon, teams can solicit votes to win the People’s Choice Award. Click to vote for UNC Charlotte’s UrbanEden; individuals can cast votes daily through Friday, Oct. 11.
Envisioned as an urban infill project, UrbanEden incorporates revolutionary approaches to sustainable design and construction, including the choice of primary building material (geopolymer cement concrete), an innovative active/passive hybrid cooling system integrated into the walls and roof of the house and responsive technology that allows the house and its inhabitants to adapt to changing environmental conditions. A series of connected indoor and outdoor rooms combine into a single environment that adapts to maximize comfort and minimize energy use.
Faculty and students from the College of Arts + Architecture, the Lee College of Engineering, and the Belk College of Business comprise the UrbanEden team. Work on the design started in October 2011; construction began in March 2013. After the competition, the team’s goal is to bring the house back to Charlotte for use as a research lab.