The Make a Change, Not a Footprint campaign targets students asking them to make a small change to their everyday life in order to affect a big difference in their world.

The house’s versatility is demonstrated in its “kit of parts” assembly. This allows the buyer to customize their house according to what features (“parts”) and materials would be most advantageous for their location.

The house’s design includes elements from historic Florida houses for a back-to-basics approach to energy conservation. The design strategy combines technological advances with the poetic sensibility and humble celebration of utility of our local building traditions.

Innovation, in the team’s eyes, is not only about creating something new, but also taking something old and using it in a new way. With this idea in mind Basic design strategies from the Florida Cracker house are combined with advanced technological systems to create an innovative approach to sustainable living.

Making the most of available daylight is an effective way to diminish energy consumption. Three sets of low emissivity, insulated glass doors on the north façade admit an abundance of light without increasing the heat absorbed by the house.  Adjustable exterior shading devices control privacy and lighting.

All the appliances were chosen with the highest energy performance in mind. Besides high performance, functionality was a main concern. During the competition week, the kitchen will be utilized to cook a meal for two other teams, therefore requiring it to be completely operational.

A modular steel frame with six identical modules provides the structure for the RE:FOCUS house. The frame contains the living spaces with walls and ceiling made of SIPs — Structural Insulated Panels — which have very high thermal insulation properties, contribute additional structural strength, and are relatively inexpensive.

The entire house is covered by a canopy solar panels to maximize energy collection. This includes the interior spaces of the house and also the breezeway, shading this exterior space.

One of the primary goals of the RE:FOCUS house is to consume less power than is produced by the solar panels. This results in a positive energy balance, allowing for the remaining energy to be stored in a battery for later use, such as powering a vehicle, or returned to the local electrical grid.

REDUCE Reducing one’s carbon footprint is essential in achieving sustainability. By combining spaces for different activities, creating zones for heating and cooling, and extending the living space to the deck the Project RE:FOCUS house encourages a sustainable way of life.