I created this solar home for an Industrial Design class, which required students to design a product, public installation, or building which uses solar energy. I designed a residential home for a couple or small family to live comfortably and sustainably. The home uses passive solar and active solar technology to reduce the overall carbon footprint. Instead of relying on a traditional electric grid system, the Santa Fe Solar House utilizes the sun's energy to power Energy Star Appliances, a solar water heater, a solar panel awning, and solar powered fans. 

It also features passive solar elements to increase heat intake during harsh winters and cool the home heat during the summer. The elevational bermed design and south-facing windows regulate temperature through insulation (from the surrounding earth), and orientation. The south-facing windows, solar panel awning, and deciduous vegetation block the sun during the summertime, and allow heat in during cold winter months. The bermed design helps maintain a comfortable temperature since 3/4 of the walls are surrounded by earth. To increase insulation, I chose materials with high thermal mass, such as: natural stone, reinforced concrete, tile, and double-glazed windows. 

Digital: Vectorworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, Fusion360, Twinmotion

Physical: Foam Core, Utility Blade, Glue, Construction paper