Updating a story MHProNews published Aug. 19, 2013 regarding one of the 20 entrants in the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon to begin Oct. 3, 2013 in Irvine, California, the Phoenix House by Team Kentuckiana is specifically constructed to withstand potentially destructive weather events. Designed by students from the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Ball State University in Indiana, the dwelling has the usual “green” features: High-efficiency HVAC system and appliances, greywater cachement, photovoltaic solar panels, energy-recovery ventilator, reclaimed outside wood panels, and super insulation. In addition to being rapidly deployable and assembled in case of emergency, mothernaturenetwork says the Phoenix features an earthquake and tornado speed wind-resilient steel chassis and structural insulated panel (SIP) construction. The kicker? The bathroom, while lovely, doubles as a stormshelter: Steel door, small laminated window with shatter-proof glass, thick walls and reinforced ceiling. The students, living in an area familiar with devastating tornadoes, hope to further stimulate the dialogue about permanent, sustainable modular housing in the face of severe weather events.

(Image credit: mothernaturenetwork–Solar Decathlon entry from Kent. and Ind. schools.)