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Unit 6, An Eco Construction for Solar Decathlon 2011 Posted: 22 Sep 2011 07:49 PM PDT Unit 6 is a modular, prefab, sustainable home designed by Team Tidewater Virginia, which its members were taken from Old Dominion University and Hampton University. This eco construction was submitted for Solar Decathlon 2011. It is also a prototype to observe  a multi-family residence and its system, including how to make it affordable, and sustainable. The sustainable design was inspired by the arts and crafts-style homes found throughout the center-city neighborhoods of Norfolk, Virginia. Team adopted the traditional design for the lines, windows, and decor, so this home may appeal to the audiences who may live in historic neighborhoods. As a prototype, this house is projected as one of units for 6 stacked units multi-housing, The Six Pack. The design adopted modular construction, with a separated room beside the building to house the mechanical core, such as the inverters, solar hot water tanks, and other systems. The sustainable features were provided for this eco friendly construction to achieve full sustainability and energy independence. Passive house design is used supported by south facing windows and large overhangs and shades to protect the house from overheating on summer. This house is also supported by natural ventilation system provided by a retractable window in the living room and a pocket window into the kitchen. Some sustainable building materials were used, such as high performance facade to maintain the thermal balance, high performance glass windows to control the heat from sun. Security is controlled automatically by some sensors. For energy source, solar panels were provided as photovoltaic system and water heater. Other sustainable features were also provided, such as rainwater collection system and greywater recycle system. This eco friendly building is a prototype to form a low carbon footprint housing in the Hampton Roads region. The modularity and all of the sustainable features will help it to achieve flexibility, sustainability, but still affordable. ref

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