BeauSoleil: Raising the Roof

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.

A report from the field:

Life is good here at TEAM BeauSoleil World Headquarters. Not only do we have a house, but also we have begun to put the roof on it. In order to facilitate transportation of the house to Washington D.C. the roof will come off in three sections that we will re-attach on the Mall once we arrive. The west section over the kitchen is in place and we are beginning to assemble the east section. These two sections are 8 ½” sips panels that were pre-cut and prepped at Louisiana System Built homes. We are assembling the roof one panel at a time here at the warehouse.

We are really beginning to get a sense of the spaces inside the house. For instance, the ceiling in the kitchen will be over 13’ at its highest point. This will make the space feel bigger as well as allow us to vent heat easier through the high ribbon windows on the north side. Venting heat is important in a South Louisiana kitchen and because we do love our cooking and our food it is only fitting that this area have the most dramatic ceilings.

In addition to construction we are beginning to take delivery of materials. The dream that started a year and a half ago is beginning to take shape with every passing day. There is constantly a flurry of activity here at the warehouse from building, to finalizing detail designs, to ordering materials and organizing with subcontractors. It is really a magical process to be a part of and we are so lucky to have this amazing experience.

Scott Chappuis -Project Architect. TEAM BeauSoleil