COURTYARD

Its inner courtyard is bathed in diffused light, filtered through the canopy of bifacial photovoltaic panels above. The living green walls flanking the space cool the dry desert air via evaporative transpiration, and the recaptured water circulating through the hydroponic system emits the meditative sound of trickling water through the space. Raised planters offer additional seating throughout the space, the tall grasses swaying in the wind creating a deep sense of calm associated with non-rhythmic sensory stimuli.

To mitigate the southwestern prevailing winds that seasonally whip through the valley, the southern living green wall also acts as a windbreak, planted with heartier desert vines that will stand up to both the wind and the intensity of the southern sun.

LIVING SPACES

The sliding living green walls and operable window walls that separate the bedroom and living spaces from the courtyard are designed as a way of expanding the living spaces into the outdoor volume, as well as an act of empowerment for the user, a catalyst for the healing act of controlling one’s environment.

This ability to manipulate space allows the resident to shift their home to meet their needs, adapting to the weather conditions of the Las Vegas Valley, their social activities, and their personal needs for connection or refuge while healing from trauma.

STRUCTURE

Four monolithic walls give a sense of solidity and envelop the resident with a sense of safety and enclosure. The thickened walls provide deep insultation, helping prevent heat gain/loss through the building envelope and creating a barrier against exterior noise that may trigger PTSD. Carefully placed openings provide a visual reminder to the resident of their connection to the larger environment and community.

A clerestory draws the eastern morning sun into the bedroom, regulating the circadian rhythm and helping to address insomnia. The narrow skylights that flank the high ceilings allow glimpses of the passing clouds, tree branches, and the starry night sky while bouncing indirect light down the walls, casting shadows that mark the passing of time throughout the day.​

PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL (PCM)

Filtered, ambient fresh air will be vented through the home using innovate Phase Change Material (PCM) plenum energy recovery system and energy efficient exhaust fans. This compact unit will use the PCM to heat or cool the fresh air and decrease the need of air conditioning. It will also use filters to remove odors, allergens, and small particles from fresh air. The PCM is composed of encapsulated eutectic salt that melts at high ambient temperatures and absorbs heat from incoming air. The home automation system will control the improved HVAC system through monitoring of CO2, home fresh air requirements, and ambient conditions to optimize operation and indoor air quality.

SOLAR THERMAL
COMPONENT BOX

Another unique aspect of the installation is the design of a compact unit that will house the peripheral components of the solar thermal system. This unit will consist of a compact insulated box containing the pumps, mixing and fill valves, radiant manifold, and controls of the solar thermal system. This box will be designed to minimize the space normally needed for this type of system but still have all of the components easily serviceable. Temperatures monitored for the operation of the system and the system status will be displayed on the access cover of the box.

SOLAR THERMAL COLLECTOR

The solar thermal system will use an evacuated tube collector that will be used for domestic hot water and radiant heat. The collector will be integrated to mount vertically in a small recess on the south wall during transportation of the home. Two pipe unions on the header tube of collector allows the collector to be adjusted to ideal installation angles suitable for different locations. The collectors could also be adjusted seasonally or to optimize the heat collected for the hot water use needed. The bottom of the collectors, angled away from the house, will be protected with a planter located under the collector.

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

The home will have a roof mounted photovoltaic system (PV) to power the home during the daylight hours, as well as charge the batteries for night operation. These batteries will be utilized as storage for PV energy production during the day then power the home at night, during periods of low solar radiation, and also for grid isolation periods, such as power outages. During isolation from the grid, the PV system will recharge the batteries in an “islanding” mode and thus allow for the operation of critical load for up to three days.