USC Graduate Research Scholar Program

kcoleman@usc.edu
Graduate Research Scholar Program University of Southern California School of Architecture
	student: faculty: contact:	Peg FitzSimons, M.Arch+2 Thomas Spiegelhalter spiegelh@usc.edu
	RESEARCH summary
title:	U.S. Solar Decathlon Competition 2005: Material Research and Assembly
	In contribution to USC’s selected entry in the 2005 International Solar Decathlon, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this effort involved the location, research and assembly of viable products and materials which can be utilized in the design and construction of USC’s Solar, Zero Fossil Energy Dwelling. Of the many products and materials researched, over two-hundred products were selected and assembled into an Excel spreadsheet, organized by each category of Construction Specification Institute’s Master Format. Additionally, listings of relevant local Associations, Contractors Unions and Government organizations were included in the spreadsheet as resources for the design and construction efforts of our competition entry. Among the criteria examined in the selection of materials included: · Manufacturer, Product type, and description in each CSI category · Product content, including renewable, recyclable, and environmental impact criteria · Product modularity, flexibility and transportability · Product source location, shipping distances and methods · Product performance, including R and U Values · Manufacturer contact names and information Some of the materials included options for enclosure systems such as Glue Laminated Beams, Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), Fiber Reinforced Plastic Membranes, Vegetative Roofs, Gel Insulation, Solar Roof Panels, Solar Thermal panels and collector tubes, Low-E Glazing doors and windows, and Rainwater Collection Systems, as well as Interior Systems and materials such as Raised and Cellular Floor systems, Energy efficient appliances and Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Solar Systems, among many others. In addition to the research and development of the Materials Spreadsheet, informational request letters were prepared and delivered to each selected manufacturer to obtain specifications and material samples, as well as to gain interest in potential product donations from manufacturers for USC’s entry. Likewise, a standard sponsorship letter was developed for future issuance to potential additional sponsors. Following the evaluation of material samples and information for USC’s Solar Decathlon House, the collected materials and information are intended to establish an Environmentally Responsive Materials Resource Library for continued research and use within USC’s School of Architecture. A further examination of materials will follow which will address requirements related to USC’s final design, as well as the school’s ability to garner donations, and purchase and deliver products for final construction and assembly on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for exhibition in the Fall of 2005.	photo credits: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/features.cfm/ http://www.kis.uni-freiburg.de/ web link: http://www.usc.edu/dept/architecture/sd/index.html


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