The Solar Homestead is Appalachian State University's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011. Inspired by the pioneer spirit of the early settlers in the mountain region of North Carolina, we have designed a self-sustaining zero energy home.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"How would you use the Flex OM" Voting Results!

Thank you to our readers that voted on our latest poll! The results showed that 45 percent would choose to use the Flex OM as an Art Studio, 40 percent would use it as a Home Office, and 20 percent as a Guest Suite. Be sure to check back soon for more Solar Homestead polls. Again, thanks for your support!

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-The Solar Homestead Team

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

About the Solar Homestead



Get to know the project and the team! Leave a comment and let us know what you think! 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Meet the Decathlete of the Week!

joe armstrong.

Classification: Senior Undergraduate Appropriate Technology Major
Job Title: Project Management and Construction Team Member
Joined the Team: January 2011

How did you get involved?
"I got involved with the team because I heard about it and wanted to know what was going on. Also, I thought it’d be a fun project. It's my lifelong dream to build a house and finally after 4 years of college, I would be able to go out and build one. I’ve worked construction before, but I’ve never actually worked from start to finish on a house. "

The Best Part?
"I enjoy being able to come to the headquarters and build a house that could change the way houses are being built in the future."

Outside of the Team:
When he's not working at the Headquarters, Joe enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, playing guitar, and sleeping.

Beverage of Choice: 
"Mountain Dew" (as he holds one)

Random Question of the Day:
Would you rather eat pizza or ice cream off the sidewalk?
"Pizza. You can pick off what’s dirty. Plus, the best pizzas are made on stone."

Joe was nominated as the Decathlete of the Week because of his extra mile quality.  In his first semester he has taken a lot of initiative and shown strong leadership qualities amongst his team members. Armstrong embodies hard work, dedication, and determination.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Buildipedia Partnership at Work

The Solar Homestead is proud to announce their recent partnership with Buildipedia.com.   
        In February Buildipedia visited The Solar Homestead headquarters in Boone, NC to document and film the teams daily operations and discussions for the future of residential design and construction.      
       Buildipedia is an online destination delivering the most accurate and relevant information regarding design and construction. Their operations include editorials, marketing, sales, web and video production. 
    “This [Buildipedia] will be a great avenue to show off the latest Solar Homestead technology,” said Dave Lee, Communications Manager for The Solar Homestead.

To take a look at Buildipedia's footage of the day click HERE!