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Purdue Home with Thermocore SIPs Takes Second in International Competition
Purdue University's INhome, built by a multidisciplinary group of students with Thermocore structural insulated wall and roof panels, finished second overall in the Solar Decathlon 2011, an international competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The 19 homes in the competition were judged in 10 areas. Purdue tied for first in the Energy Balance category, producing more energy than it consumed, and placed second in both Affordability (at just over $250,000) and Comfort Zone (meaning the home stayed within a narrow range of comfortable temperatures and humidity).
(Photo Credit: Stefano Paltera/U.S. Department of Energy).
Low Cost, High Performance
"We hammered on the budget for affordability and wanted to make sure it performed well," said Eric Holt, a doctoral student at Purdue and the team's construction manager. "The SIPs were more cost-effective than other options we explored because they gave us a very highly insulated, well-sealed thermal package."
Thermocore's four-inch SIPs allowed Purdue's team to achieve their goals in a small space. Because the contest required 1,000 square feet or less, "We knew we had to maximize our insulation value and minimize the wall size," Holt said. "To get the same R-values in stick-frame construction, we needed 12-inch or thicker walls."
Repeated Durability
The INhome was tested much more than a normal home, starting with its construction. Purdue's team first built the house on campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. Then they took it apart and rebuilt it for practice. Next they took it apart again, shipped it to Washington, D.C., for the contest, and rebuilt it. Finally, they took it apart, shipped it home, and rebuilt it on a permanent foundation.
"Being able to do that was a true testament to Thermocore SIPs," Holt said. "We had drywall touch-ups, but only where we cut it apart. The builders and drywallers couldn't believe we didn't experience more cracking. It's due to the SIPs being very rigid and strong."
Before deciding to use Thermocore's insulated wall and roof panels, Purdue's team researched SIPs manufacturers throughout the country. "Thermocore has many advantages over the competition, including the higher R-value with the polyurethane insulation and the green, no-waste system of building the insulated panels," Holt said. "We really liked that we got a true four-inch wall with the conduit and electrical boxes built right into the panel. That's what really sold us."
Pat Egan, president of Thermocore, donated the structural insulated panels for the INhome. "We really enjoyed working with Pat; he taught us a lot," Holt said.
Victory and Legacy
Purdue's group beat out 17 other teams, including four from outside the U.S. Only the University of Maryland's team scored higher. Held every two years, the Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive.
Purdue's INhome now sits on a permanent foundation in a revitalized area of Lafayette. After public showings throughout the winter, the home will be sold to a low-income family.
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- Eric Holt,“We hammered on the budget for affordability and wanted to make sure it performed well. [Thermocore's] SIPs were more cost-effective than other options we explored.”
Construction Manager,
Indiana
(Photo Credit: Jim Tetro/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon).
