solar decathlon

U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon with Student Led Team

An ode to the classic typology of the dogtrot, the building envelope incorporates a breezeway used prevalently throughout the South during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to help mitigate the hot, humid climate. Our modernized approach takes advantage of the passive benefits that cross ventilation provides by cooling the external envelope. In this case, our units, though not themselves split with a breezeway, challenge the ideologies of the dogtrot and reimagine the concept at a larger scale. Coupled with a traditional porch and accompanying solar screens, our design strategies encourage the natural environment to do the heavy lifting before active building systems are incorporated. By placing the breezeway in the center of plan, we take a slightly different approach in its conceptual application. With a simple diagrammatic approach to building footprint and form, a third fire wall between units is eliminated, thereby introducing opportunity for two unique unit plans - one of which opens into the breezeway. The buildings are arranged on a grid such that the breezeways line up on a datum. Naturally, the vacuum created by positive and negative pressure doubles as air condidtioning in the summer by using operable clerestory windows to vent rising hot air. This circulation ensures that the residents are supplied fresh outside air which increases occupant comfort and health while remaining cost effective throughout the life of the building. Residents are encouraged to utilize this passive cooling strategy by propping open their door and opening their clerestory windows on a beautiful day.

An ode to the classic typology of the dogtrot, the building envelope incorporates a breezeway used prevalently throughout the South during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to help mitigate the hot, humid climate. Our modernized approach takes advantage of the passive benefits that cross ventilation provides by cooling the external envelope. In this case, our units, though not themselves split with a breezeway, challenge the ideologies of the dogtrot and reimagine the concept at a larger scale. Coupled with a traditional porch and accompanying solar screens, our design strategies encourage the natural environment to do the heavy lifting before active building systems are incorporated. By placing the breezeway in the center of plan, we take a slightly different approach in its conceptual application. With a simple diagrammatic approach to building footprint and form, a third fire wall between units is eliminated, thereby introducing opportunity for two unique unit plans - one of which opens into the breezeway. The buildings are arranged on a grid such that the breezeways line up on a datum. Naturally, the vacuum created by positive and negative pressure doubles as air condidtioning in the summer by using operable clerestory windows to vent rising hot air. This circulation ensures that the residents are supplied fresh outside air which increases occupant comfort and health while remaining cost effective throughout the life of the building.

The site was selected based on access to local amenities, accessibility, visibility, and potential future expansion. Within walking distance north of the site, the Cotton District is a community focal point lined with restaurants, bars, and local shops. MSU students and faculty alike are drawn to this hub not only for the amenities, but also for large annual events that embody the University’s local traditions. Further west, downtown Starkville terminates the axis at the other end of the university. The Cotton District serves as a bridge between the two, blending the city residents with MSU students and faculty.

Proposed as faculty housing, Dawgtrot’s visibility and means of accessibility in the immediate community is acutely critical. Because our site is centrally located between downtown, the Cotton District, and the campus, we have attempted to develop a walkable edge condition for Russell Street since foot traffic is so high. This not only provides a high degree of visibility for the project, but also establishes the site within a network of options for transportation – one of which is bike culture. Residents are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by utilizing multiple eco-friendly forms of transit. Only using 0.9 acres, Dawgtrot’s minimal footprint harnesses the ability to expand in the future. With record breaking student enrollment for six straight years, future expansion will help accommodate an inevitable growth of faculty.

NORTH ELEVATION

SOUTH ELEVATION

EAST ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

POWDER COATED STEEL CHANNEL

ROUTED CORTEN STEEL

Dawgtrot incorporates screens on the south porch that were created based on the local sun path. These screens were created with a custom Grasshopper script through Rhinoceros7 in which parameters change in relation to solar patterns on the south façade. The roof overhang takes on most of the shading during the day, but the screens allow filtered light into the unit spaces at a level more comfortable to humans. The screens are attached to a metal c-channel at the top and bottom to remain flexible per unit. When the winter sun is lower in the sky, the screens can be moved on the track to allow direct solar gain to heat up the exposed concrete floors. Heat captured in the floor will dissipate at night, thereby warming the house without stressing the conditioning unit.

According to our market survey, covered parking is a high priority for many residents. We showcase a set of unique covered parking structures that are modular in nature that provide a clever way to collect rainwater that is then repurposed for landscape irrigation. This rainwater collection is realized through bioretention planters at the foot of the structures, planted with ornamental grasses to enhance the aesthetic. Residents reserve at least one covered space and visitor parking remains on the untouched parking surface that exists west of our lot. Residential car chargers are located under the structures to mitigate the risk of electrical damage by rainwater.Two of the nine covered parking structures on the site are used for water collection. This leaves an opportunity to collect the water off the carports that are not needed and utilize it in a bioretention system. Rainwater seeps down to the bottom of the planter and is filtered back through the growing medium, supplying the planted grass, filtering unwanted pollutants from the metal roof, and recharging the ground.