Students from University of Waterloo in Ontario, Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, and Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia designed their 2009 Solar Decathlon house - the North House - for extreme northern climates. Rooftop solar panels can't generate much power in the north, so the Canadian team built their solar house to capitalize on energy from low-angle sunlight. On the south, east, and west sides, the North House has floor-to-ceiling windows and tall photovoltaic panels.
North house is also space-efficient. The huge windows bring a sense of openness to the multifunctional living area. Nearly all the furnishings fold away when not in use.
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