UrbanEden

UNC Charlotte’s “UrbanEden” house incorporates truly revolutionary approaches to sustainable design and construction, including the choice of building material (geopolymer cement concrete), an innovative passive cooling and heating system integrated into the walls and ceiling of the house, and responsive technology that allows the house and its inhabitants to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Envisioned as an urban infill project for young professionals or empty-nesters, the house design is defined by a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living areas; even in an urban context, the outdoor living area allows one to privately enjoy the outdoors. Work began on the design in October 2011. The UNC Charlotte team began construction of its solar house in March 2013 and will complete construction this summer before transporting the house to California in September 2013. The competition takes place October 3-13, 2013.

Design - Learn more about the design of UrbanEden.

Materials - Learn more about the materials that make up UrbanEden.

Systems - Learn more about the systems that make UrbanEden work.