Team Orange County

Teaming up for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition in Fall 2015, students from the University of California, Irvine; Chapman University; Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are building Casa del Sol, a Spanish-inspired, net-zero, solar-powered house for Southern California. Comprised of a research institution, a private university, and two community colleges, Team Orange County incorporates a broad range of perspectives and educational backgrounds.

Motivated by Orange County's climate, lifestyle, and cultural heritage, Casa Del Sol is conceived at the nexus of sustainability, nature and conservation. This home is designed to enhance the relaxed, outdoor-living environment that Southern Californians enjoy.

Casa del Sol is inspired by the California poppy, the state flower. Like the poppy, the house is drought-resistant and diurnal. Its passive solar features cause it to open up during the day, increasing the effective living area. At night, the house closes to maintain a comfortable living environment. Casa del Sol has the flexibility to accommodate multigenerational family lifestyles and is adaptable to the needs of a diverse and ever-changing demographic.

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