The 2013 Solar Decathlon winner is the LISI house by Team Australia. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
With a total score of 951.922, the LISI house designed and built by Team Austria, has won the 2013 Solar Decathlon.
The prototype house is a timber-frame structure designed for transportability. Two patios extend the 639-square-foot (59-square-meter) home's living area. The larger of the two also incorporates an herb garden irrigated by a rainwater reservoir.
LISI's passive solar design incorporates a system of automated awnings and shades to maintain thermal comfort within the living space. A photovoltaic array supplies power to offset energy use.
Active systems include a two-unit air-water heat pump system that provides domestic hot water and heating and cooling with a multifunction air and water subfloor delivery system. Waste heat is also recovered from the home's shower and HVAC system.
The U.S. Department of Energy sponsors the biannual competition, which this year was held in Irvine, California, after more than a decade of competitions held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Exterior overview of LISI house. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
Main patio with shades deployed. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
Interior living space. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
Bedroom. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
Bathroom. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
Patio. Photo: Jason Flakes/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon |
Section drawing. Image: Team Austria |
Section drawing. Image: Team Ausria |