1. Home & Garden

Interlock House

Designed by Students from Iowa State University for the 2009 Solar Decathlon

Pavement provides passive heating at the solar-powered "Interlock House" built by students from Iowa State University.
Heat-Collecting Pavement at the Iowa State University House, 2009 Solar Decathlon

Iowa State University 2009 Solar Decathlon House

Photo by Stefano Paltera/US Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon
Students from Iowa State University designed their Solar Decathlon house to meet the needs of the elderly and the disabled. Called the Interlock House, the solar-powered home can interlock with existing communities instead of building on new land. Energy-saving features in the home include a sunporch with easily movable glass walls. Pavement absorbs sunlight during the day and provides passive heating with the temperature drops.

Learn More about the Iowa State University Solar House

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