ConcordMonitor reports that Epoch Homes, in collaboration with two Massachusetts colleges, will be part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2011 Solar Decatholon 4D Home. Built to “Passiv Haus” specifications, the home is designed for affordability, comfort and will create more energy than it uses. Epoch CEO John Ela said “Our employees are very excited to be working with Team Massachusetts…Seeing the student’s enthusiasm as they push the sustainability design envelope is inspiring and provides a glimpse at the future of housing technology for the next generation.” Ela said the goal is to design and build a home that not only uses no energy but also gives back to the grid. To do that, the 1,000-square-foot home will be outfitted with super-insulated walls and windows, making it virtually air-tight. Another unique feature is the flexible floor plan with movable interior walls, Ela said. Epoch, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design Department of Architecture and the University of Massachusetts Lowell College of Engineering who are working together as “Team Massachusetts” to develop the 2011 Solar Decathlon 4D Home, which will be on display at the National Mall in Washington DC between Sept. 23 and Oct. 2. The team finished the house in about three weeks. When the competition is over, the home will go to a family in Maine.
