Resolution for Next Use

One of the missions of the Solar Decathlon competition project is to advance the awareness and science of solar-integrated housing within the University community and greater public. As primary sponsor, the University of Minnesota has the authority to determine the next use for the ICON Solar House following the Solar Decathlon Competition.

The Student Team Leaders believe that following the Solar Decathlon, the ICON Solar House would be best used as a demonstration house in the northern climate for which it was designed. Substantial time, money, and innovation, as well as the efforts of over 150 people over the course of two years contributed to the completion of this project. In order to make full use of its potential as a tool for learning, the ICON Solar House should be monitored as a subject for ongoing post-occupancy research and data collection.

Status Update: October 9, 2009

The University of Minnesota, owner of the ICON Solar House, is interested in exploring alternatives for its next use after the Solar Decathlon in Washington DC. The ICON Solar House student group proposed the house go to UMORE after the competition for its demonstration and outreach potential. This option, which was reflected in the project manual, is still one of the options being explored for feasibility. There has been interest from a number of parties in next use of the ICON Solar House. Next use criteria and alternatives are currently being studied and the University of Minnesota is considering the idea of putting out an RFP for next use that may address issues such as opportunities for the house to stay at the University, extending the outreach mission, opportunity for ongoing research, ability to purchase and bring added funding to the house, and other criteria. A decision on the process for determining next use will occur within six months after the Solar Decathlon competition is complete. If you have an interest in next use of the ICON Solar house, contact Jonee Kulman Brigham at kulma002@umn.edu or 612-626-7641 to be put on a next use communications list.

Extended Research Potential

Waste Stream Documentation
Tracking the amount of waste generated in construction, as well as during the process of each disassembly, shipment to a new site, and reassembly, might lead to future proposals in minimizing wasted materials and energy during the different phases of design, construction and transport. This research would have particular relevance to the Decathlon competition, as methods of minimizing waste could be adopted by all future schools participating.
Health of Wall & Indoor Air Quality
With very high insulation levels, there is a higher chance for condensation within the walls of the ICON Solar House. Models and simulations indicate that the walls will remain healthy, and additional study of the wall system would either confirm this, or indicate building practices or materials selections that are particularly susceptible to damage in the long term.
Performance of Building and Systems
Many of the ICON Solar House systems are highly efficient and some are even custom-designed. Monitoring the performance of these systems over time will produce important data to allow us to understand best practices in designing, implementing, and controlling these systems.
Maintenance Issues
Many of the systems used in the ICON Solar House are uncommon and new in residential construction. We would like to see how well systems hold up, and what kind of maintenance issues occur through the seasons. Our study could produce a user-friendly operations manual for adopting some of these new technologies.
Effectiveness of Communication Strategies
A study of the exhibits at the house might provide information about how well visitors receive or retain information about solar and sustainable strategies.
Effectiveness as Youth Outreach Tool
We have several graduate students in education who have been developing curriculum around solar and sustainable information. The ICON Solar House could serve as a lab for young students to come and learn about technologies and low-tech strategies to limit resource use.
Transforming the Construction Industry
We are planning a database that compares the choices of materials or products considered during the design process of the ICON Solar House, and gives Life Cycle Assessment information for each option. We could work with industry to make this database for construction and design professionals to find sustainable alternatives to building materials.
Certification Potential
Specific certifications could be pursued, in order to educate the public on the process and result of a residence that is qualified under LEED for Homes, Minnesota Greenstar, and other building assessment programs.