Solar Decathlon research
Solar Decathlon research from Kristin Hawk
Solar Decathlon research

We undertook the first steps to entering the Solar Decathlon held in Washington DC. I worked with one other student on a design that was intended to be fully mobile and able to move down the highway and simply "unfold" at the site. The many challenges included dealing with mass limitations due to federal highway restrictions as well at the short time to build the house on the site.
NC State was not included in that round of the Solar Decathlon, so our designs did not develop into one agreed upon by the entire studio.

Our studio was the first at NC State to consider and attempt to enter. This was a preliminary, fast, 2-week design, looking at ways to make a small house useful and mobile. The outdoor porches were to fold up and serve as additional support during transport, allowing the walls to have more openings. Once in place, the porches serve to make the house feel larger by connecting the indoor and outdoors visually and functionally. The module on the right would be shipped and added separately.
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Exploded Axon of final design This axon was for our final design. I worked on a 2 person team. In this our primary focus was looking at mobility and system requirement for using a solar absorption chiller to cool the house. (this is my work)
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Details of envelope containing insulated panels. Our design incorporated a south facing facade that used screen panels to shade the glass during the summer months, while allowing a breeze to pass through, and in the winter months could hold insulation, and be closed at night to retain the indoor heat. The focus was on connections that needed to avoid heat loss in the winter. (this drawing is my work)
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Model Section showing moveable panels and solar collection The panels show the design options for the facade when insulation was placed in the panels. The insulation could be colored, the panels could have a variety of openings. During the day and throughout the summer, the insulation could be removed, providing views and shade to the house.
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Solar Decathlon research

We undertook the first steps to entering the Solar Decathlon held in Washington DC. I worked with one other student on a design that was intended to be fully mobile and able to move down the highway and simply "unfold" at the site. The many challenges included dealing with mass limitations due to federal highway restrictions as well at the short time to build the house on the site.
NC State was not included in that round of the Solar Decathlon, so our designs did not develop into one agreed upon by the entire studio.

Kristin Hawk
Architectural Designer Wilmington, NC