A Union of Sun, Wind, and Water: Hawaii’s Sustainable Home

Team Hawaiʻi’s house, Hale Pilihonua, is designed using a holistic approach such to function in harmony with naturally available resources. The shell, or semi-monocoque, structure is made of...
September welcomes the return of the Solar Decathlon, a biennial green-building competition in Washington, D.C. For the event, 20 international collegiate teams will construct solar houses on the National Mall. Catch this preview of the design from Team Hawai'i.
Related Topics:
Architecture, Energy, Solar

Team Hawaiʻi’s house, Hale Pilihonua, is designed using a holistic approach such to function in harmony with naturally available resources. The shell, or semi-monocoque, structure is made of fiber-reinforced polymer providing resistance to damage from corrosion, termites, rot, and floods. The shell is insulated with translucent aerogel which provides high thermal performance and interior day lighting. The exterior structure consists of controllable shading louvers, photovoltaic panels, and solar hot water collectors. Integrated environmental control systems include phase-change material for thermal storage, intelligent occupancy sensing, energy-conserving lighting controls, and home integration software. An integrated aquaponics system supports sustainable food production. Interact with Team Hawaiʻi on Facebook or Twitter or check out webcasts on demand by chapter.

How do you move the planet forward?
Submit Story
Tags:
hawaii, Solar Decathlon, sustainability, University

Get the Newsletter

Get inspiring stories to move the planet forward in your inbox!

Success! You have been added to the Planet FWD newsletter. Inspiring stories will be coming to your inbox soon.