PAPR 02: Solar Decathlon Case Study

The purpose of this assignment is to explore the multiple possibilities and innovations of building systems

demonstrated in expositions such as the Solar Decathlon Competition events. The US Department of

Energy Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build and

operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The Decathlon

competition has 10 categories: architecture, market appeal, engineering, communications, affordability,

comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment, and energy.

Review the U.S. Dept of Energy Decathlon website (see link provided below) and associated

project/university links for resources.

Select your choice from the past three year's worth of competitions and note your selection on

the Miro Board for the Professor.

Observe as many different types of systems within the space as possible: enclosure, mechanical,

millwork, etc. Discuss how these different systems coordinate with one another.

Identify the materials used throughout the building: how do they relate to the rest of the building

and make an impact?

What was the mission of pavilion? Was it achieved in the design?

Information about the students, designer, architect, engineer should be included to gain a better

understanding of the design coordination process of the building.

You are to dissect, identify, and critically analyze as many systems as possible within the building.

The observations are to be documented in a paper with a minimum of 6 pages and a maximum of

8 pages (not including cover sheet, images sheets at end, or reference/bibliography).

Photos, Diagrams and images must be included to explain the concepts. Do not mix into body of

text.

Multiple sources (at least 3) must be used and cited where necessary. Use the APA format.

In-text citations and Figure Citations must be used per APA style.

U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Projects

Link:

https://www.solardecathlon.gov/2022/design/2022-design-challenge-results.html