DURA Home represented the diversity of New York City, built by a team as diverse as the city itself. As diverse as the City of New York, the character of DURA Home was developed through elements of international living — interior and exterior areas which revealed open space, accommodated greenery, and allowed for flexibility and comfort. Thanks to the home's open floor plan, there were several adaptable spaces which could be used to accommodate a home office, a bedroom, a mechanical room, or a child's play area, depending on the occupant's needs.
The project was developed through a multi-pronged approach: a hybrid of passive and active systems that could adapt to various configurations. Superinsulation, strategic window opening sizes and locations, an exceptionally tight envelope, and a smart mechanical system that harvested waste heat combined to optimize performance and maximize occupant comfort for net-zero, affordable living in a dense, diverse environment.
Floor plan and interior views showing the home's adaptable, open layout.
DURA Solar Decathlon 2015 Archive