University of Minnesota Solar Decathlon Team Blog

ICON Solar House, Beyond Solar at the Solar Decathlon

2009-10-19T19:05:19Z

Editorial by Simona Fischer

As the teams convened at the west end of the Solar Decathlon village last Thursday for the opening ceremony, not everyone was excited about the competition. A small group of protesters stood at the edge of the crowd of Decathlon teams, holding a sign that read, "Tech is not enough - U.S. climate action."

I walked over to speak with them. It turned out that they were not protesting participation in (or the existence of) the Solar Decathlon, so much as what they believed to be a weak showing by the US in the G20 summit in September with regard to environmental and climate legislation. In other words, they believed that this Department of Energy-led competition was merely about showcasing technology ("Tech is not enough"), and that the US could stand to take action in legislating real change.

I can't speak for all of the teams, but I believe many participants would agree with both statements. In our economic system, change requiring investment on the part of people and businesses happens when change is mandated, supported and enforced, not just because a group of students set a good example.

In defense of the Solar Decathlon, however, to cast it as a mere exercise in showcasing technology would be shortsighted. According to the statement on their website, the Solar Decathlon's main goals are "to educate the student participants" so that we will become more knowledgeable and responsible architects, engineers, builders, organizers and communicators; to "raise awareness" and "demonstrate to the public the potential of Zero Energy Homes" through [many long, grueling hours of] public tours; and to "foster collaboration among students from different academic disciplines," among others. Participation required dedication, passion, endurance and labor from each of the twenty teams. Awareness-raising and collaboration took place in abundance over the course of the two years leading up to the competition, and perhaps they are the most important aspects of the project in the end, for the students and faculty who worked on this project will spread bits of what they learned throughout their lives' work.

Nevertheless, if the Solar Decathlon is to be taken as proof of the US Department of Energy's commitment to environment and energy sustainability, it is in some ways a poor showing. This is evidenced by the nature of some of the contests, including a net-metering measurement which rewards the highest net producer of energy, regardless of how much energy they use in their own home. Isn't this skewed? Shouldn't the contest reward the team who combines least energy used with the greatest net production?

Also, where is the credit for having the least embodied energy in a home--in other words, using the least amount of energy and resources for materials, construction and finishes? Where are the judging criteria that take into account salvaged, recycled or reused materials, sustainably forested wood, non-toxic paints, foams, insulation and composites, grey water recycling, and reduction of overall waste? Beyond benefitting students through experience, solar manufacturers through exposure, and the US Department of Energy through "green" publicity, it is clear that the focus and contest criteria of the Solar Decathlon could be more holistic in scope.

The goals of the Solar Decathlon are due for an update. What if each team was required to build according to LEED Platinum standards--the guidelines set forth by our very own US Green Building Council? Or better, the Living Building Challenge, which requires careful consideration of all materials used in a building, as well as proving net-zero energy performance prior to certification? What if each house in the competition was truly required to be a sustainable design? Then we would really have something powerful to share, with the American public as well as the international community.

ICON Solar House Reflections from the Kitchen

2009-10-18T15:28:19Z

Food Maven Patrice Johnson reflects on preparing and hosting the final dinner party at the ICON Solar House.
Monday night's dinner party prep went much smoother than Friday's. Audrey and I hustled but this time the kitchen was our tranquil friend. Nothing ruffled us: not the camera crew shooting us as we chopped cilantro and tested the lingonberry salsa, not the group of spectators gathered outside of the kitchen window, and not Audrey's amused reaction as I drizzled melted chocolate over potato chips for our Chocolate Flight dessert.

As our guests arrived the ICON house filled with conversation and laughter, and it was a treat to hear the experiences of other teams. The engineers swapped tales of parts that arrived broken or didn't fit, the designers discussed the importance of teamwork across disciplines, and everyone was concerned about getting homework done while in D.C.

Following the dinner party we cleaned up the kitchen and stacked dirty dishes in boxes to travel back to the team's hotel room for washing (no access to running water in the ICON house during testing). I said my goodbyes and headed toward the Metro. Outside the ICON house lit golden and beautiful on the dark and quiet National Mall.

I came to Team Minnesota late in the game. The complexities of designing and building the ICON house didn't factor into my research in food studies and immigration. It never occurred to me that the University of Minnesota harbored brilliant and dedicated students and faculty capable of accomplishing such an impossible task. It was a privilege to meet them, it was an honor to participate in the Solar Decathlon.

Roasted Winter Squash and Apple Pizza

Pizza Dough
1 1/4 cup warm water
2 teaspoons yeast
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 1/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 teaspoons basil, oregano

Combine water, yeast and honey. When yeast begins to bubble add remaining ingredients. Knead until dough forms a nice, smooth ball. Cover and let rise about 2 hours or until double. Punch down, form 2 balls and place each ball on
prepared pan. Cover and let rise about 2 hours. Form dough into pizza shape of choice.

Top Pizza with the following ingredients:
Fresh mozzarella, sliced
Bison gouda, shredded

Bake in 425 oven approximately 20 minutes or until cheese melted but not brown.

Add:
Butternut squash, cubed and roasted with fresh sage leaves
One red onion caramelized with 3 garlic cloves
Honey Crisp apple, cubed
Nitrate free bacon
Parmesan
Fresh basil
Salt and pepper

Bake in 425 oven approximately 20 additional minutes.

.

ICON Solar House Wins 1st Place in Engineering Contest (Video)

2009-10-16T15:44:30Z

Engineering/Energy Model Team Leader Josh Quinnell talks about the team's strategy and design.

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Congratulations ICON Solar House Lighting Team

2009-10-16T01:35:06Z

Photo credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

Advisor Jonee Kulman Brigham reports on the first rate ICON Solar House lighting design.

This morning, the DOE announced that University of Minnesota had won the lighting design competition which considers "designing functional, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing lighting systems" - both for daylighting and electric lighting. Scoring 72 out of 75 possible points, the team was complemented on the simple controls, use of daylighting, black-out shades, electrochromic glass shading, extensive use of solid state LED lights, the east porch lighting, the appearance of the lit house at night, and for creating a lighting design that worked with the ventilation system and climate.

Rose Lin, co-leader for the interior design team in charge of lighting collaborated with Joe Messier, student commissioning leader on integrating electric lighting and shading with the daylighting approach. Joe modeled the integrated result in both daytime and night lighting mode in a 3D rendering program to help the team refine the lighting scheme. Professional lighting and daylighting experts contributed advice through a series of design reviews and meetings.

The team chose a selective and strategic approach. According to the project manual, "The ICON House is designed with features that offer maximum efficiency of light around the house, interior and exterior, natural and artificial. Integration of technology and sustainability is balanced with traditional lighting strategies by using electric lighting with a clearly defined purpose, and selective use of daylight to enhance areas within the home. As a result of the selectivity, the entire electric lighting budget is under 500 watts for both interior and exterior." That last point was illustrated by a vase of five, 100-watt incandescent bulbs that was displayed for visitors in order to make the savings more tangible.
Photo credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

The choice of lighting sources points a new way forward. A U.S. Lighting Market Characterization Report prepared for the EPA in 2002 found that average residential lighting use consisted of 91% incandescent lamps, 9% fluorescents, and a negligible amount of LEDs. The ICON Solar House shows that warm, familiar and pleasing lighting design can come from a majority of LEDs, a few fluorescents, with no need for incandescents.

The ICON Solar House also illustrates that strategic placement and shading of windows can result in daylighting that reinforces the functionality and mood of various places in the home. The narrative by Rose and Joe in the manual states, "Along this east west axis a variety of daylighting approaches are taken from dramatic to tranquil, creating three zones that reflect the living activities within each zone." The kitchen area is filled with light in the morning from the large east windows that visually connect it to the dining area on the porch. If the light becomes too much, the electro chromic glass can be set to tint, reducing glare and solar gain, while retaining view. In the central dining area, large south windows capture moving sun angles and views of the south deck. In the living and workstation areas to the west, north clerestories and a modest sized west window, limit solar gain and glare while providing ample indirect north light for the more tranquil activities of reading, watching movies, or working at the computer. Low window openings at the south and high north clerestory window openings enhance natural ventilation.

ICON Solar House Adventures in Dinner Parties

2009-10-13T13:25:36Z

Food Maven Patrice Johnson reflects on cooking in the ICON Solar House kitchen at the Solar Decathlon.

Cooking for the ICON solar house dinner parties is not like cooking at home. There is, of course, a fabulous 4-burner Wolf induction cook top, a Meile convection oven large enough to cook a 20 pound turkey and all the trimmings, plus counter and storage space that cause many of the touring public to "ooooh" and "ahhhh." Every window in the house provides a fabulous view of the National Mall and the other gorgeous homes within the Solar House village. There is the presence of our bright, devoted team members who manage to keep their sense of work ethic and humor despite having more than a few hours of sleep each night during the decathlon.

There are, however, other less happy differences. For example, while in testing mode on The Mall the refrigerator, sink, and dish washer are not accessible. But the biggest challenge for this cook thus far was arriving at the ICON house Friday afternoon, Minnesota Pizza Night menu in place and ingredients at the ready, and discovering that the judges expected our Harvest Moon menu for that evening's dinner party. Of course, not much excites me more than a challenge and an adventure! Ann, our fearless leader, and I jumped into the UMN Prius, battled congested DC traffic, purchased missing menu items, retrieved my lucky meat thermometer, and arrived back at the ICON house with minutes to spare before the 2 hour prep time began.

Audrey kicked into action chopping vegetables and making apple crisp, Shengyin served sparkling apple cider to guests as they arrived, and appetizers were presented on the beautiful deck table exactly at 7 PM. Phew.

Honey Maple BBQ Glazed Chicken (serve with sweet potato puree) 8 generous servings

1 cup honey
1 cup maple syrup
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 small cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
4 tablespoons cold butter (optional)
Cumin, dry mustard, garlic salt, and pepper to taste
8 chicken breasts


Heat all ingredients except chicken over medium heat. Simmer 20 minutes. 
Puree with hand emersion tool or blender. Blend in butter until melted and 
completely emulsified.
 
Season chicken with cumin, dry mustard, garlic salt, and pepper. Saute 
until browned both sides of chicken, (saute in small batches so as not to 
crowd pan). Place chicken in single layers in large pan, glazing liberally 
with BBQ. Back at 350 for 20-30 minutes until thermometer reads 165. Serve 
with any remaining BBQ on the side.

The Story Behind the Name ICON

2009-10-12T14:03:54Z

Communications Team Leader Meag Tessman shares the story of creating an identity for the ICON Solar House.

A name and logo are much more than artwork - they are the base of a whole concept that we are communicating. We started off by looking at our team's values and our goals for the competition.
Our Team Goals

Integration

To create a prototype that demonstrates advancements in building integrated photovoltaic technology as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Innovative Sustainability

To create a prototype that demonstrates life - cycle focused sustainability.
Market Transformation

To bridge the gap to widespread acceptance of solar - integrated, sustainable housing by 2015.
Regionalism

To create a prototype that demonstrates regionally appropriate approaches to sustainable design that differentiates the house.
Learning

To provide opportunities for hands on interdisciplinary learning among project participants.

Our Team Values
- Iconic (traditional)
- Lifecycle (sustainable)
- Nutrients (elemental)
These values eventually came down to two aspects: how energy arrives at the house, and how energy is consumed at the house.

There are two preconceptions towards solar technology:
an older generation who lived through the 1970's boom and saw solar technology as impractical and aesthetically unattractive. And a younger generation who is growing up with prospects of limited electricity supply; who sees solar as a good investment, but is not in the position usually to invest in solar technology, or even to own a house yet.

After some initial design iterations, we came up with an acronym: Integrated Cycle Of Nutrients, or ICON. Perfect! It was an awesome breakthrough, spoken in terms very deep meaningful words. We were so proud, setting up for our unveiling event at the Mall of America.

Unfortunately, 'Integrated Cycle of Nutrients' meant nothing to the majority of people we talked to. The whole ICON concept was very undeveloped at this point, too. We made the classic mistake of being too engulfed in our work - designing internally.

There were four main points that we found ourselves telling people about at a series of events we held last spring. These were the issues we needed to address!
- Solar is Possible in MN
- Solar can be beautiful and approachable
- Solar is a responsible way to live consciously
- Technology can be seamlessly integrated
It was a wake up to hear the majority of people we talked to didn't think solar is possible in Minnesota! We knew right away that we had a lot on our hands. This concept we originally went with had it all. Too bad 'it all' was WAY too much. We decided to focus on one thing: market transformation. We dropped the acronym and began to build our message.

Once we stripped ourselves down, we tried to build up again, really concreting our message in a tagline: Livable, Beautiful, Conscience, Iconic. But, we found this to be more of a description than a message. We needed to SAY something. We started going with "A New Tradition with Technology" and it was eventually shortened to "A New Tradition"

The concept is based in years of history. Housing has transformed over the history of humans to conform to the technology and needs of people. We would like to introduce this solar house - that has an altered gable roof - as a natural step in the progression of housing. One that is conscience of how it's electricity is produced - one that is built to embrace and protect from the Minnesota climate - one that takes into consideration how every element might affect the environment at any part of it's existence. We have the technology; this is how it can be integrated into our modern lives.

Inside ICON Solar House Interior Design

2009-10-12T13:04:07Z

Interior Design Team Leader Shona Mosites shares her experiences working on the ICON Solar House.

What are the interior design priorities for the ICON Solar House?
We wanted to merge familiarity with new technology, calling it "a new tradition." We reached our goal by keeping the coziness of a traditional home and adding the benefits of being a self sustaining house.

What was the design process?
From the beginning it was a team effort. Collaborating meant listening to all sides and making the best argument for your design decisions. And in the end, the house was better for it.

Is there a Minnesota connection with your choices?
Absolutely. From the counter tops to the floor to the living room furniture done by a local design company called BluDot. Our dining room set is even made from MN sourced wood designed and handcrafted on campus by two UMN architecture students.
What's been the most exciting thing about the ICON House for you?
First seeing a project that you have worked on actually be completed through construction is extremely surreal and not a common occurrence for a student. Beyond that, gaining all this real world experience, from working on a multidisciplinary team, to learning from consultants and product reps is very rewarding.

What's been your inspiration with the design?
When I initially thought about the aesthetics of the space my first thought was of the Flat Earth TV Commercial for their potato chips. The space has this beautiful mix of natural and man made materials and expresses a down to earth straight forward aesthetic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWHOYZP9280

What has been your greatest challenge?
Juggling being a student and a team leader. Seeing the house come together makes it all worth it though.

ICON Solar House - Is it Alive? (Video)

2009-10-10T04:18:59Z

Like a living organism, a house breathes, makes and uses energy has a skeleton, protective skin and intelligent controls. Is it alive? Team member Jake Wollensak brings the ICON Solar House to life as he speaks with middle school students.

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ICON Solar House Wish You Were Here, Construction Crew

2009-10-09T12:31:25Z

ICON Solar House Advisor Jonee Kulman Brigham summarizes the tour team's sentiment from opening ceremonies.

As the opening ceremonies were beginning today and the team finally had a minute to breathe, I was talking to Craig Hohensee, Student Construction Manager for the team and told him what a great job he and the construction crew did. He said he thought they had done an over the top effort and wished all those who worked so hard were here to see it opening up. His heartfelt appreciation made me want to capture his and others' sentiments on the team and post to the blog, just as a reminder to those that are back home that they are with us in spirit. One might say the effort was heroic.

I talked to one student who is still here (and still standing,) TJ Hinz. At one point he'd been up for 41 hours straight with a 22 hour work shift included. And he was just one of about 15 or so in the same boat. And people are noticing. Craig was talking with a DOE promoter who said that the Minnesota Team's effort to catch up after initial schedule delays was "legendary."

Architecture Team advisor, Jim Lutz also commented on the quality of the team, saying that he was inspired and impressed by the commitment and hard work all the students have made on this project and that he can't think of a better group of people to work with. And all this effort is paying off. Shengyin Xu, Student Project manager noted, "We'd all been working so hard many of us didn't even realize how it was coming together until it was finished and we received so much positive feedback on the quality of our entry." This was reinforced by the visitors I spoke with who gave us high praises saying they'd love to live there or wishing they could have many of the elements in their own homes.

Finally, I asked Ann Johnson, Overall Project Manager for her reflections on the effort. She started to speak, but then choked up and wrote this down: "There's no way we'd be competing without the construction team - both here and in Washington. For the last month they have worked tirelessly to get the house built at the high level of quality and finish that it is. Once our house arrived here on the Mall. They worked around the clock to get us done, without complaining or protest. They were so valuable and critical to our whole team. I wish there were still here..." To the many, incredible, tired crew members - in DC and Minnesota, congratulations, thank you, and may you get some sleep very soon...

ICON Solar House Landscape EPIC Irrigation

2009-10-08T22:27:38Z

We've been getting a lot of questions about our EPIC irrigation landscaping trays. Landscape Architecture Team Leader Jason Lamers tells us more.

Landscape Materials
When the sun is blazing, the Icon Solar Landscape becomes a great space to relax and spread your own solar panels to soak up the rays! The material palette used throughout the Icon Solar House landscape displays some of Minnesota's richest resources. Northern Minnesota is a major exporter of iron ore which is used in the production of steel, found as accent pieces to the deck. The cedar wood decking was collected from local sources to reduce the carbon footprint of the Solar Landscape and was chosen to accentuate the wood used throughout the icon house.

EPIC Irrigation
In urban development storm water management and design is an integral part of designing a landscape. The Minnesota Icon Solar Landscape has been fully integrated into the storm water system by utilizing water from the impervious roof, cleansing storing and using it for irrigation purposes in a little more than 275 square feet of turf grass. The EPIC profile will treat and store the 1 inch rainfall event from the roof of the house in the 12 inch sand profile. This is equal to about 90-95% of Minnesota rainfalls.

Component

The EPIC System™ (Environmental Passive Integrated Chamber) is a non-clogging drainage and irrigation technology utilized in green spaces. Efficient water management is achieved through natural drainage processes and the reuse of water for passive irrigation, via capillary physics (water wicking up through sand). Rather than simply storing water, EPIC chambers serve as control structures for water movement. Water storage and treatment occurs within the sand layer and plant root systems. EPIC System™ technology enables any green space to clean and manage water, increase irrigation efficiency and provide multi-functional landscapes.
Turf

Hard fescue (Festuca brevipila) is an excellent low-input turf grass. The species has several attributes that make it an excellent choice for a low-input lawn:
Grows in shady or sunny conditions
Tolerant of most important turfcgrass diseases
Exhibits excellent drought tolerance
Maintains green color longer than most other turf grasses during summer stress periods
Has ornamental value when left unmown

MNHD1 is a breeding population that is being improved by the University of Minnesota turf grass breeding program. We hope to develop a variety that is well-adapted to the conditions of Minnesota so that homeowners can utilize this excellent species for more sustainable home lawns.

Reflections from ICON Solar House

2009-10-07T21:28:09Z

ICON Solar House Project Manager Ann Johnson pauses to reflect from the National Mall.

Every team member is working like crazy, and seems to have great ownership in "our house." Each one brings their own skills, style, and personality to the project. Although we all look pretty similar, we are pretty diverse! The most fun for me has been watching the commitment of some of these students, and knowing that they'll probably never get to work on a school project like this again.

The initial schedule was set up with two shifts, each working 11:00 - 11:00. I'd get to the site at about 9:30 each day, and the overnight shift would be looking dazed and exhausted. They'd been working all night, and were ready to go back to the hotel. We changed the shifts Saturday night, after the majority of assembly work was done, so now they all have a more reasonable schedule.

The best moment so far for me was Thursday morning. I was on site, then went back to the hotel to pick up something. I returned at about 11:30. When I stepped out of the Smithsonian metro stop, I saw our house there on the trailer. A crane had already been brought in, and was hooking up to it. After all the delays and uncertainty of it every arriving, I was overwhelmed at the sight, and started to cry. I could tell some of the students were pretty choked up too, but I was the only one that let tears actually come. It was a great morning.

ICON Solar House 2 hours prep, 5 courses, 8 diners...

2009-10-06T21:23:20Z

...and just a few days until our first dinner party!

Many of our pantry items are already in D.C. (including donations like sparkling cider from Pepin Heights, honey from the U of MN Dept of Entomology, and maple syrup from the U of MN Dept of Forest Resources) and the crew, already on The Mall, is planting herbs and produce in container gardens.

Back here in Minnesota my travelling companion and I are each making room in our carry-ons for several pounds of apples (another U of MN contribution), and an assortment of other Minnesota grown products will make the air trip via an insulated pack. To round out each menu we'll hit the D.C. farmers markets ...of course I'd rather browse and pluck at Michelle Obama's organic White House garden but have not received an invitation. I've got a list of local markets, dates, and times and it looks like they stack up pretty well next to ours.

I'm also anticipating great fun sizing up the cooking competition. I've read that Chef Jose Andres and his staff assisted Team Madrid with their menu, and in the past James Beard nominees have coached other teams. This is serious business and seriously exciting!
Until then I'll make another list or two, cross a few things off, and remember to pack my meat thermometer.

Notes From Inside the ICON Solar House

2009-10-06T02:06:31Z

Team member Simona Fischer offers an insider's view of working on the ICON Solar House.

I am a third-year grad student in architecture, and I came into this project
with 6 months go to, and quickly became involved in two areas that really
interested me about this competition; communications (how do we convey our message to the world?) and system operations during the competition (how do we make sure our systems perform as efficiently as possible, and that the schedule goes off like clockwork?). These may seem unrelated at first, but when you think about it, they both have to do with the big picture, the greater whole, seeing the forest and not just the trees.

As a member of the communications team, I helped write the copy that became the project manual, a brochure, signage and web content. Writing so much gave me a lot of insight into both the workings of the house, and the workings of the team--this is a complex project. I worked very closely with my graphics teammates, always remembering the message we want to share with our audience, which is that sustainable design and solar technology can be comfortable and beautifully, crossing architectural boundaries between modern and traditional design, and blend into existing neighborhoods. We are creating a new tradition in solar house design.

As a member of the operations team, I worked on a series of operating guidelines to help team members operate the house on the fly, adjusting systems and power output according to weather, time of day, and the individual requirement of each of the ten competitions. We are proud of our house, and we want to show off its streamlined systems to their best advantage.

The highlight of my involvement in the ICON Solar House team has been the opportunity to work with a fun and dedicated group of people, and to explore the intricacies of each problem as we work through each task, brainstorming and designing different solutions.

The biggest challenge is time--there is never enough time, and everyone is either in school or working on the side. But then again, time is also our best friend--as I've learned in architecture school, sometimes a little pressure and a looming deadline can bring out creativity you didn't know you were capable of.

ICON Solar House - What's a Rain Screen? (Video)

2009-10-05T17:01:19Z

We're getting a lot of comments about our red rain screen. The slats are made of a material called Trespa and offer a protective layer around the house. The spacing between the slats allows air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. Watch the video and learn more from ICON Solar House's Dan Handeen.

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ICON Solar House Details, Details, Details

2009-10-05T04:03:00Z

With the short time frame, and our truck delays on day 1 and 2, we've caught up significantly. But, there are still tons of things yet to do. The hardest thing about this contest is keeping focus on the end, and trying to balance the quality and the deadlines.

Today, we continued work on the interconnection of the systems. The mechanical systems are hooked up and have passed the inspections process. That means our solar thermal, space heating, ERV, AC, and desiccant systems are ready to go. We are still plugging away on the electrical. The electrical from the panel into the house has been approved, but the DC electrical, from the panel to the PV panels has not been approved yet. We hope to get there by tomorrow morning for grid tie.

The deck is also coming together nicely. The grass survived the 3 day drive and 1.5 day delay! And, our plants came in from Garden World.

We still have a lot more finishing to do. Some trim work, some repair work, and definitely more detailing to take care of inside and outside.