FEATURE
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Opposite, left: “Empowerhouse’s holistic design reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the team,” Parsons professor Laura Briggs says. More than 200 students from a range of degree programs participated in the project, with 20 or so faculty and staff members acting in supervisory roles.
Empowerhouse Formula for Maximizing Energy Conservation
Opposite, right: The Empowerhouse team chose wood as the main building material for finishes, siding, and structure, even using wood floor beams as wall supports, because the renewable material outperforms steel and concrete in the long term. Below: Residents of Deanwood—the DC community where this Empowerhouse is now located—wanted a large open kitchen area for gathering. Students created or selected all of the room’s contents.
80% PRIMARY ENERGY SAVINGS
SUPERINSULATED,
SUPER INSULATED AND AIRTIGHT ENVELOPE AIR-TIGHT ENVELOPE
OPTIMIZED WINDOWS
OPTIMIZED WINDOWS AND SHADING AND SHADING
EFFICIENT APPLIANCES, LIGHTING, EFFICIENT APPLIANCES,SYSTEM LIGHTING, AND MICROMECHANICAL
AND MICRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEM