Net Zero 5280
Net Zero 5280 is a combined effort by students and faculty from Arapahoe Community College (ACC) and the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) to compete in the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Competition. Members of our team are responsible for every step of the design process, from market analysis to structural analysis, from energy calculations to interior design, and from smart systems to plumbing networks. Our project will be the culmination of years of dedication and the combined efforts of dozens of passionate students and faculty.
Solar Decathlon
The Solar Decathlon competition is a collegiate competition sponsored by the Department of Energy, comprising 10 contests. The contests are designed to challenge student teams to design and build highly efficient, innovative, low-carbon buildings powered by renewable energy.
The 10 contests are:
1
Architecture
2
Engineering
3
Market Analysis
4
Durability & Resilience
5
Embodied Environmental Impact
6
Integrated Performance
7
Occupant Experience
8
Comfort & Environmental Quality
9
Energy Performance
10
Presentation
Goals
Normalizing Sustainable Design
We aim to showcase sustainable design principles through our house, and set an example to help encourage others to adopt these same practices. Our house will champion non-standard elements that increase sustainability of the house. The house will be a place for students of Mines to learn about sustainable building and its efficient designs.
Innovation to the Benefit of the Occupant
As students are the target market, we recognize that students live busy lives. The house is designed to need minimal maintenance through innovative systems to put the comfort of the occupants first. Three key innovative systems include: an easily accessible smart system, a sustainable and effective heating and cooling system, adjustable lighting, and exterior noise reduction.
Living in the Outdoors
When surveyed, Mines students responded by saying they want their house to feel comfortable and cozy. We are accomplishing this idea by using a natural theme that contributes to being a part of nature, rather than living amongst it. The house will be complete with a large balcony providing views of the mountains. Plants and exposed natural finishes fill the house with a biophilic feeling. Carefully selected hardware, pain, flooring, art and interior design features will add to the theme.