Want to see what we're up to?

The webcam live feed is now available! Click the link below to see what the decathletes are up to at the Solar Homestead Headquarters.

Solar Homestead Headquarters WEBCAM!

The top feed features the high-bay space and the construction of the Flex OM. The lower picture focuses on the design arena and a few first floor offices. The video stream with automatically refresh each minute. Let us know what you think - happy watching!

The Solar Homestead Celebrates Earth Week 2011

Members of the Solar Homestead Team featured with the OM on Sanford Mall for Earth Week.

Appalachian State University and the Solar Homestead Team participated in a week long Earth Day celebration. From organic smoothies to musical performances, ASU's campus took the week to observe and celebrate our planet. To participate, the Solar Homestead team took an OM to campus in order to display it to the student body. Members of the team were available for questions and answers about the Solar Homestead and the Solar Decathlon.


To those that took part in Earth Week, we would like to thank you for your support! 

Here's pictures of the OM in action!

Decathlete of the Week!

Gina Butler. 

Classification: Appropriate Technology Major, Undergraduate Senior

Job Title: Landscape Designer

Joined Team: January 2011

How did you get involved?

"I started a green roof independent study and then started talking to Dr. Houser. I had heard of the project through word of mouth but then really became interested after talking with Dave Lee after a solar presentation. And now I'm here!"

The Best Part?

"Definitely the people. Everyone that I've worked with has been amazing. Also, I can't grow anything where I live, so being able to grow here is awesome."

Outside the Team?

"When I'm not at the HQ I like listening to a lot of music, gardening, reading & sitting on the couch and hanging out with my boyfriend."

Favorite Candy Bar?

"I don't really like candy bars. I work at an ice cream and fudge place, so candy gets old fast. I'm more of a salty person. "

Ok, so Favorite Salty Snack?

"Oh, white cheddar popcorn."

Random Question of the Day:

Would you rather only be able to speak to animals or only know 7 words?

"Speak to animals. I love animals. I've always wanted to know what my cat is thinking when she's begging for food."

Gina was nominated for her dedicated work with the Homestead's plants. As the landscape designer she is in charge of the green roof, surrounding vegetation and anything concerning the Homestead's garden. Gina, the entire team appreciates your constant work. 
Congratulations!

The Webcams are Up and Running!

Here at the Headquarters, progress is daily. In order to document this ongoing project, we've installed two webcams within the building. The first monitors our high bay space and construction progress while the second is focused on the design arena. Here's a quick peek!

Be sure to keep checking in with us for more live updates from the Headquarters!

Decathlete of the Week!

jackie stewart.

Jackie with dino in hand.

Classification: Undergraduate Junior, Interior Design Major


Job Title: Architecture and Design Team Member

Joined the team: January 2011

How did you get involved?

"A campus email was sent out and l responded to it then I applied and interviewed. I also knew some of the professors involved. This is a prestigious event so I also heard about it through word of mouth."

The Best Part?

"The interdisciplinary work. I love getting to work with architects, engineers, designers, etc. The people in general are the best part and getting the experience is great."

Outside the team?

"Other schoolwork? just kidding."

"I like watercolor painting, reading, shopping, dinosaurs, foxes & tater tots."

Favorite restaurant in Boone?

"I like them all, it really does depend on what mood I’m in. But it would be between Our Daily Bread & Black Cat."

Would you rather?

Publish your diary or make a movie on your most embarrassing moment.

"Make a movie of my most embarrassing moment. I don’t really have a diary, so I don’t think they could publish anything. As long as you’re able to poke fun at it, then it’s really not that embarrassing. It could even turn into a television series, then a broadway play, and then I’d make a lot of money off of it."

Jackie was nominated by Travis McKenzie for her ability to lift everyone's moods both night and day and for doing a great job at everything she takes on! Congratulations, Jackie, your bubbly and fun-loving personality are sure to brighten anyone's time at the Headquarters! 

"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!

Remember to follow the blog through your Google, Twitter or Yahoo accounts for updates!

-The Solar Homestead Team

About the Solar Homestead

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

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.

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!

    

We're Back on the National Mall!

The DOE released a decision today that put the Solar Decathlon back on the National Mall! The competition will take place in West Potomac Park along the path between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The Solar Homestead Team would like to thank all of our supporters for helping return the competition to the nation's front lawn. We are ecstatic that the decathlon has been returned to a place of national progression and prestige. We hope to see you in September on the National Mall!

For more information concerning the DOE's announcement click HERE!