BYU Students Construct Solar-Powered Concrete House on Campus

_{By Zach Collier}

In a groundbreaking achievement, students from Brigham Young University (BYU) have designed, engineered, and built a sustainable, zero-energy dwelling directly on campus. Tucked away behind BYU’s Snell Building, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence has received hundreds of visitors this month.

Affectionately known as the “Triple Dome Home,” this architectural marvel comprises three interconnected monolithic concrete domes. A featured dwelling in the Utah Valley Parade of Homes, this zero-energy domicile spans a modest 850 square feet and stands as a testament to the prowess of student builders. This transportable house can be relocated wherever a crane can be stationed. In fact, this particular dwelling will soon be uprooted and transported to California for sale later in the fall.

Built as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon, it’s meticulously designed. The house aims to minimize its carbon footprint, curtail water consumption, and effortlessly maintain a consistent temperature throughout both frigid winters and scorching summers.

The Triple Dome Home boasts several remarkable engineering features, including the utilization of fiberglass in lieu of rebar as the primary material for reinforcing the concrete structure. Additionally, a PVC membrane envelops the entirety of the exterior walls, providing insulation and imperviousness to water. Portions of the exterior walls are concealed beneath soil, rocks, and plants, creating an innovative berming technique.

The residence harnesses the power of 34 double-sided solar panels seamlessly integrated into a carport and an adjacent pergola. Thanks to its concrete dome construction, the house boasts windproof and fireproof properties while remaining resilient to extreme temperatures. Enhanced energy efficiency is achieved through the inclusion of triple-paned windows.

This undertaking has stretched the physical and intellectual capabilities of over 20 students involved in the design, engineering, and construction processes.

BYU represents one of the 15 universities hailing from the United States, Canada, and India that took part in the esteemed Solar Decathlon Build Challenge. Later this year, the BYU team and their Triple Dome Home will also compete in the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon.

There are only two days left to tour the home before it moves to California. The Utah Valley Parade of Homes is happening now, and concludes on June 24.