Photo of a large group of Solar Decathlon decathletes, who wear matching uniforms to identify their teams. In the front is Solar Decathlon Director Richard King and his wife.

U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon

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The University of Tennessee

Living Light: UT Solar Decathlon House

Team website: www.livinglightutk.com

Photo of a group of people standing in a V shape in front of a glass building with PV panels. Enlarge image

The University of Tennessee Solar Decathlon team (Courtesy of the University of Tennessee Solar Decathlon team)

Illustration of Living Light in a mountain setting. Enlarge image

A computer-generated rendering of the University of Tennessee's Living Light (Courtesy of the University of Tennessee's Solar Decathlon team)

A video walkthrough of The University of Tennessee's Solar Decathlon house (ZIP 193 MB)

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Team Deliverables

Neither the United States, nor the Department of Energy, nor the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC, nor any of their contractors, subcontractors, or their employees make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness for any purpose of any technical resources or data attached or otherwise presented here as reference material.

The University of Tennessee's Living Light, designed for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, incorporates the knowledge of Tennesseans past and present. Although the forms and spaces of Living Light were inspired by the cantilever barns of southern Appalachia, the systems in the dynamic façade and integrated roof array are scalable and tunable to a range of climates and applications.

Design Philosophy

Tennessee seeks to apply global technologies to local contexts. To find the most refined aesthetic expression of these technologies, the team integrated multiple complex systems into relatively few architectural elements. The Living Light design uses passive systems where appropriate and active systems where necessary. The team also used off-the-shelf technologies in innovative ways to meet the needs of today's homeowner.

Features

Living Light's large, loft-like design includes features such as:

  • A dynamic double façade system made of alternating translucent and transparent panes and horizontal blinds

  • Sensors that automatically manage the electric lighting, which includes color-changing LED strip lights along the façade

  • A home automation system that can be programmed with preferred conditions for activities such as watching a movie or entertaining dinner guests.

Technologies

Several technologies distinguish Living Light. These include:

  • A blind system, sandwiched between two panes of glass, that is programmed to provide year-round lighting and shading

  • An energy recovery ventilator that harvests air through the double façade system to supply the house with passively warmed or cooled fresh air

  • Cylindrical modules in the 10.9-kW photovoltaic array that capture sunlight across a 360° surface.

Market Strategy

Living Light is designed to attract emerging young professionals with an average income of $100,000 working in the vibrant design, science, and technology industries of Nashville, Tennessee. For this clientele, technical systems are not hidden but embraced as aesthetic features in a contemporary design. A house that balances technology and modern design features with regional history and landscape will be of value to these residents.

What's Next

Living Light will tour Tennessee to demonstrate energy efficiency and other technologies to the public. Upon completion of the tour, the team and its collaborators will use the house as a laboratory for collecting data, analyzing energy efficiency, and testing new technologies. The knowledge gained from continued study of the house's performance will benefit the university, regional manufacturers, and research partners.

Contact

Edgar Stach
1715 Volunteer Blvd., Room 224
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-6113