The solar-powered "Refract House" designed by students from California College of the Arts (CCA) and Santa Clara University (SCU) won top honors in the Architecture category in the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington, DC. Calling the house "beautiful in every respect," the judges awarded the students 98 out of a possible 100 points for architectural design.
In their citation, the judges wrote: "This project broke out of the box and made exterior and interior space appear as one with a varied series of sensations from the cool, shaded entry to the cantilevered balconies."
The Refract House is only 800 square feet, but appears much larger because interior spaces open to the outdoors. Clerestory windows and large sliding doors fill interior rooms with natural light. An expansive deck surrounds a central courtyard. Rainscreen covers made with reclaimed California redwood bring a warm hue and rich texture to exterior facade.
In addition to the architecture award, the solar-powered "Refract House" tied with Iowa State University for third place in the Market Viability contest.
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