Week 12 is here and it is the last week before our final presentation. All of Monday was another full class review where each team gathered around the central table to go over everyone’s most recent changes to the construction documents. The Energy team presented for the first time to explain how the 2021-2024 International Energy Conservation Code changes have significantly increased energy efficiency in buildings. We learned how just a change in code can create such a big difference in energy usage and costs!

Next the Carbon Accounting team presented their findings on the carbon emissions of all the building materials we will use in the house and compared it to last year’s build. The main goal is to reduce as much carbon emissions as possible! This step is important in comparing different materials and choosing the most responsible and planet-friendly options.

We also heard from the Systems team for the first time where they presented the electrical and plumbing plans. There was some debate on lighting placement in the bedroom and whether uplighting or overhead light is most appropriate for a sleeping environment and after some group deliberation we decided to place two wall sconces on either side of the bed and one central overhead ceiling light. By the end of Monday, we had finalized most of the design and systems of the house and all that is left is to prepare the final presentation for next week.

Wednesday was a full workday where everybody took advantage of the studio time to consult with the professors and each other and ask questions to make sure the whole class was on the same page. It is crucial that we keep communicating with one another to produce accurate and consistent documents. We ended class by going over the requirements for the slideshow presentation and the printed boards and construction documents for Monday. One thing is for sure, while the design has come a long way, there is still much more to do!

Since the deadline is almost here and everybody is in overdrive working to produce the final drawings, renders, construction documents, and physical models, the studio is busier than ever during the weekend. The Interiors team took a trip to solicit material donations and stopped by EcoBuilding Bargains to search for any recycled building materials that we could use.

On Sunday evening we decided to meet as a full 12-person group for the first time out of class to practice the final presentation together. While nerves are high, we are very excited to get to present our work and see the final product come together!

More on the Presentation to come but here is a sample —- The Structural Model.