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!