RE_Home, U of Illinois’ Solar Decathlon House: Reactive to Disasters

The University of Illinois designed The Re_Home  for the 2011 Solar Decathlon with disaster response in mind. It is a very adaptable, flexible space to accommodate different family situations.

Why a disaster response house?  The state is prone to destructive tornadoes.

The beauty of the house is that two modular components of the Re_Home can be transported on one trailer.   In addition, the solar panels were design to lay flat on the roof for transportation.  Once the house reaches its destination, the panels can be raised to the optimal angle for solar collection.  See the short Re_Home video below:

I had the pleasure of receiving a tour of the home by Professor Mark Taylor from the School of Architecture.  Listen to the below podcast as he walks me through the home.  He really proves wonderful detail to the products they used in the house.

[podcast]http://www.green-talk.com/podcasts/UISolar.mp3[/podcast]

Components of the House

The Re_Home has the following components:

•  The insulation was three inches spray foam in the 2 by 4 studs with a 4 inch spray foam on the outside of the house. The exterior walls achieved a R45 value.  (They chose to use 2 by 4 framing since it was a student run program.  Professor Taylor felt that SIPs was a good system but given the project was student run, they wanted flexibility that they would not have with SIPs.)
•  Solar panels were designed to act as a canopy for the southern and western side of the house to keep it cool during the summer.
• There were 2 covered porches which added living space to the home.
• The house is heated with an air to air heat pump and ventilated with a Conditioning Energy Recovery Ventilator (CERV) by Newell Instruments.  This unit detects when outside air is “nice,” and then maximizes air flow throughout the house.  When the air outside isn’t nice, it continues to supply fresh air in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation residential standards.
• The outside paneling was made of Resysta, which is comprised of  60% rice husks, approximately 22% common salt and approximately 18% mineral oil,  (It cuts just like wood according to Taylor.)
• Windows were made by Kolbe and Kolbe.  Professor Taylor said it is a very affordable window.  Many of the windows at the competition were not made in the US.
• The house contained a LG condensing washing and dryer combination.
• The reclaimed decking came  from a grain silo via Wisconsin Woodchuck.
• The roof was covered with an EPDM, a cool roof material.
• Affordability was key.  All furniture was from Ikea.
• They used Lamboo instead of OSB sheathing.
• 3/4 of the house is an open layout.
• The house collects  rainwater and greywater to re-use for the water for the toilets.
• The  cost of the 970 square foot home is $250,000-275.000.
• The house is intended to be net zero and contains a 7.5 KW system.

Why Did I love this House?

Why did I loved this house?  It was so practical and could fit in any suburban landscape.  The house had regular siding, normal roof and windows and interior probably no different than what you are used to.  Everyone would want this house and the fact that it was energy efficient was icing on the cake.  It was built as either a two bedroom or one bedroom/office combination.  It’s contained a large living space with an open floor plan.

How Did the Re-Home in the Competition?

The house placed seventh in the competition.  They placed first in maintaining their appliances.

Join the Conversation:

• Any advice for the students?
• What concept would you incorporate in your house if you could?
• What design feature did you like in the house?

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