Solar Decathlon Team California Refract House Leads with Architecture and Communications

 

Team California is made up of Santa Clara University and the California College of the Arts students, who collaborated to create the Refract House for the 2009 Solar Decathlon. 

 

The Refract House has a modern, beach house feel. Each room is angled so that as you enter the house, you built up anticipation to enter the next room. Cool effect. Via California College of the Arts: Team California Wins Architecture Contest in Solar Decathlon: "Team California wins the architecture contest with a score of 98 out of a possible 100. Evaluating three main factors - architectural elements, holistic design, and inspiration - the jurors praised Team California's house as beautiful in every respect. " 

 

The pathway and ramps to the California Refract House were integrated with posters and materials to educate the visitor. And, the solar house's project manager answered questions from the front deck. She was a high energy, passionate speaker. This passion for communications has vaulted Team California to the top of the Communcations criteria. Via Department of Energy on Tuesday October 13: Team California Wins the Solar Decathlon Communications Contest: "Team California impressed jurors with the communications strategies, promotional materials, and people skills the team displayed while conveying the technical aspects of household solar energy systems to the public. " 

 

More pictures after the jump. ... 

Systems Controls:
 
Bathroom:
 

 
Kitchen:
 
Kitchen Lighting:
 
Living Room Light:
 
Deck:
 
Kitchen Garden:
 
Pond:
 
Pond view: