Georgia Tech Solar Decathlon 2007 Schematics

Abstract

The Georgia Tech Solar Decathlon Team will design and construct a truly innovative house which harnesses and celebrates the sun's power. Integrating both architectural and engineering principles, it will seek to critically advance inventions in solar technology. Asking the following question is the attainment of solar efficiency and comfort possible in the context of an ever increasing desire for spatial and architectural transparency?" As in the Greek tale of Daedalus' son Icarus who embarked on a flight to the sun, so too the modem fascination with building lighter and more transparent buildings is supposedly at odds with the need for energy conservation and ecological building. And yet, at no other time in the history of construction have advances in materials technology and systems design rendered Icarus' vision more realizable. It is to the exploration of this paradox that Project Icarus is dedicated.