The 2009 Cornell University Solar Decathlon House engages sustainable, modular design with a unique assembly of circular and orthogonal elements, formally similar to the vernacular architecture found in upstate New York. The house is composed of a central square courtyard surrounded by three conditioned “living” cylinders with a rectilinear array of photovoltaics floating above the entire structure. The open courtyard serves as the focal point of the house, defined by perimeter columns and a photovoltaic canopy as an independent cube. The adjoining cylinders – bedroom, kitchen, and living room – direct views to the central courtyard. Though there are few windows along the circumference of each cylinder, large operable Nanawalls open the space between the cylinders and the courtyard completely. This exchange is encouraged with flexible furniture that can be moved between the interior and exterior and an outdoor fireplace built into the courtyard.

The solar house combines bold aesthetic features with creative sustainable applications. The cylinders are inspired by industrial agricultural materials, employing a CorTen corrugated steel cladding and exposed steel beams on the interior. The house takes advantage of solar gain from the steel envelope through an innovative skin-integrated solar thermal system that pre-heats hot water. To allow additional diffuse light and to promote stack ventilation, each cylinder has two operable Velux® skylights. Through its novel approach to modular design, interplay between conditioned and unconditioned space, and creative applications of university research, the 2009 CUSD team hopes to redefine preconceived notions of the limitations of a solar-powered home.