Take a guess at the word. Lumenhaus, seemingly simple. Lumen-light illumination, haus-house.
In this case the name is referring to a solar powered house being constructed out west in Washington state, on the National Mall.
Multiple universities, from the US, Canada, and Europe are competing to contruct the most efficient solar powered home. Each team starts with $100,000 to create the eco-friendly home. After the houses are finished they will be tested and awarded on 10 different categories, some being architectural design, comfort, and marketability.
The competition is being hosted by the Federal Department of Energy, with sponsors for certain teams. Lumenhaus is being sponsored by Siemens.
Solar powered accessories are not a terrible concept for homes. Lumenhaus took a total of 20 kilowatt-hours out of the system, however it sent back three times that amount from the roof alone.
A competition is an ideal way to make sparks fly and create innovation. Events like these inspire the future of technology and broaden the possibilities of our societies current norms. I can personally envision an "off-the-grid" home that has electricity in the most impossible of places to deliver it. For example, maybe a house in the mountains with solar powered shingles and energy converting thermal blinds that shift according to the suns position to allow the most heat.
The idea is not far off, inspiration and possibly price are the only elements holding society back from a seemingly successful future home. This kind of stimulation needs to take place more often, allowing for more practical ways to live freely and reliably.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/science/earth/13solar.html?ref=science
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Nathan,
ReplyDeleteIt often comes down to price, doesn't it. Good topic and article for your blog.