The Avenue - 2022 Solar Decathlon

Project Type: Multifamily Building

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

organic photovoltaics utilizing recycled plastic integrated as roof structure, providing shade to an urban pathway

water cistern storing captured rainwater

Bario Viejo cultural context to colorful doors and windows

bike score of 84 shared bike path lane to maximize physical circulation

allow local food stands to populate + serve the community

Our Team

My aspiration as an architecture student is to discover new innovative design strategies and technologies to build a more sustainable future. With building construction and materials accounting for nearly half of the world’s global emissions, I want to take part in the change to build a better tomorrow. The solar decathlon is an incredible opportunity for me to test these technologies and find ways to build more sustainable buildings.

My passion is to explore different impactful designs that can better for future in living. Utilizing new energy simulation tools to analyze net-zero buildings, while enhancing occupants experience through architecture. Creating memories to inspire new generations. I would want to take many opportunities to learn in different firms around the world with the focus on local collective ideas.

My interest and passion for architecture, technology, and collaboration, has inspired me to discover ef fective design strategies that contribute to a sustainable future. The importance of architecture in mitigating climate change captivates my full attention as I plan to take part in the change for a regenerative future. The solar decathlon is a great opportunity to apply my knowledge in sustainable building design and proposing a brighter tomorrow.

My hope is to work in an environment that is progressive in its adoption of sustainable design principles. I see architecture as a tool to improve economic, environmental, and social dynamics of the world. Upon graduation, I want to join a firm that focuses on sustainable commercial design as I believe it would be a powerful avenue for making positive change in communities.

Alex Kolodziej Manalapan, NJ Designer

Nhan Van Vo Chandler, AZ Designer

Jonah Mikkalson Los Angeles, CA Design Lead

Andrew Norris Sacramento, CA Team Lead

Jonathan Bean Chicago, IL Instructor/Consultant

Project Goals

The large solar field found at the Avenue acts as a small power plant, generating and distributing energy to the surrounding area

The Average EUI for a multifamily building is 59.6 kBtu/yr while the Avenue has a EUI of 7.3 kBtu/ yr. The building utilizes an airtight enclosure with efficient mechanical systems

Creating

The

Miracle Manor is a Low-income neighborhood, with the median annual salary of a working resident being only $22,000.

Our goal is to create economic opportunity for parents needing additional sources of income and facilities for after-school education activities for their children. With the average rent price in the neighborhood being $670, many will not afford the rent price. To accommodate these residents and make The Avenue beneficial for all, we are exploring solutions to obtain funding and grants through LIHTC and ARPA.

Courtyard | Architecture

The Avenue restores historical Tucson values to the Miracle Manor neighborhood. The project uses color, landscape, and gathering space creating a mixed-use habitat for low-income families. The Avenue inspires creativity amongst its residents through a connection to Tucson’s culture and strong relationship to nature while educating the community.

Inspiration

Barrio Viejo Vibrant Colors Connected Green Walkways

Barrio Viejo is known for colorful houses, walkable spaces, and vibrant communities. The use of colorful accents against white terracotta projects the vernacular building traditions of the Sonoran desert. Bike paths and green walkways allows for a tight knit community inspired by Barrio Viejo.

Project Program | Architecture

Three distinct unit types are fitted together creating a larger massing form using the modular construction technique allowing for a fast and simple construction process.

threedi erentdimensiontypesofunitsarefittedtogether tocreatea biggermassingform

threedi erentdimensiontypesofunitsarefittedtogether tocreatea biggermassingform

Spatial Organization Circulation

The shifting of the forms creates outdoor shaded circulation. Vertical circulation occurs where the super modules meet. Bridges connect the buildings

Rendered Plans | Architecture

1 Bedroom Unit

2 Bedroom Unit

Bedroom Unit

Module Assembly |

Detail Wall Layers

Engineering

Prefabricated Assembly

Prefabricated Wall Panels

Engineered Lumber

Modular assembly allows for a simple building process that is easily replicated. Units are constructed with properly insulated and weather resistant panels. A ventilated terracotta rain screen adds durability in the native climate.

Radiation | Integrated Performance

Without OPV Canopy With OPV Canopy

Solar Exposure

A radiation analysis was used to quantify are design decisions and its impact on solar exposure. The shifting of the forms provides self shading. The impact of the canopy structure was then analyzed to understand the amount of reduction of solar exposure received by the buildings. The canopy provides enough solar radiation protection, reducing the cooling load and allowing the heat pump to run more proficiently.

Shade Canopy Modifications

Extending the canopy provides shade for the west facing windows

Panels are optimized for shading windows in the harsh afternoon western sun by fanning out

The canopy allows for the insertion of future, more developed OPV technologies. Residents may contribute their recycled plastic to the city of Tucson to be developed into replaceable OPV panels reducing the embodied carbon of the building.

Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) provide a low cost energy production solar cell alternative. This technology is integrated into the canopy acting as a solar field.

Recycled Plastic For OPV:

177,934 SF surface area of recycled plastic

Recycled Plastic

Transparent conductive osice

PEDOT:PSS

Active layer

Acceptor

Donor

Electrode

3,165,630 kWh/Year PV potential OPV currently can achieve efficiencies of 18%

Water | Integrated Performance

Water Usage

iCFA (ft2) : 178,290

Dwelling Units (count) : 123

Total Bedrooms (count +1) : 360

Energy Performance

Annual Heating Demand : 1.6 kBTU/ft2yr

Annual Cooling Demand : 13.9 kBTU/ft2yr

Peak Heating Load : 2.8 BTU/ft2hr

Peak Cooling Load : 4.0 BTU/ft2hr

CHILTRIX UNITS:

IPLV: Cooling 26,150 BTU

COP: 6.75

EER: 23.02

(iCFA) 178,290 x 4.0 (peak cooling load) = 713,160

713.160 x 26,150 BTU (IPLV cooling) = 27.27

Estimated 28 Chiltrix units needed on site

Sankey Diagram Energy Model Results

Wasted - uncaptured solar energy

Thermal energy transfered by heat pump

Storage losses Line transfer losses

COP: 6.75

With an overabundance of OPV panels collecting solar energy, the project generates enough renewable energy to not only supply itself, but also partially fuels the Sunblock district. With high sun exposure and solar radiation in Tucson Arizona, OPV panels will have a great long term benefit for the building by capturing solar energy and doing it sustainability.

2,480,866 kWh/Year | Surplus Energy

EUI: 7.29

Meets Phius 2022 Criteria

Distribution | Energy Performance

ElectricalGrid

OPVsolarpanels

OPV’s act as a small power plant generating enough energy to cool 280 homes. Energy is stored in thermal storage tanks and is easily distributed.

MultifamilyBuilding

Phius certifiedbuilding ADU's

AttachHousing

DCelectricity

Inverter

ACelectricity

DomesticHotWaterTank

•storagesize:

domestichotwaterusage

NeighborhoodEnergyDistribution

Air-to-water HeatPump

SeasonalThermalStorageTank

•Storagesize:

•Water

7unitsof thermal energy (kBtu)

Fancoil

ConditionedBuilding

sendsurplus

toneighborhoodloop

Still generates energy during cloudy days and even when damaged

Easily insert replaceable panels

Terracotta rain screen contributes to the durability

Enhancing the community while providing economical growth.

Drainage mat

Flashing

Flashing

Lightweight concrete

Lightweight concrete

Railing base

Railing base

Drainage mat

Drainage mat

The building achieves an airtight assembly free of thermal bridging. Lightweight concrete over a drainage mat on the habitable roof areas integrated with the terracotta rainscreen enclosure ensures proper drainage throughout every part of the building

The building achieves an airtight assembly free of thermal bridging Lightweight concrete over a drainage mat on the habitable roof areas integrated with the terracotta rainscreen enclosure ensures

Sealant

Foam

Ext. strapping

Water resistant membrane

Sealant

Sealant

Foam

OPV panel

Habitable rooftop deck

OPV

OPV structure

B-public modular wall panels

Habitable rooftop deck

Habitable rooftop deck

Terracotta rainscreen

The building achieves an airtight assembly free of thermal bridging. Lightweight concrete over a drainage mat on the habitable roof areas integrated with the terracotta rainscreen enclosure ensures proper drainage throughout every part of the building

Airtight assembly free of thermal bridges. Terracotta rain screen enclosure ensures proper drainage throughout every part of the building

Cavity insulation

Foam

Ext. strapping

Engineered Lumber

Ext. strapping

Water resistant membrane

Water resistant membrane

Cavity insulation

Cavity insulation

Sheathing

Terracotta rainscreen

Engineered Lumber

Engineered Lumber

Air barrier

Sheathing

Sheathing

Terracotta rainscreen

Terracotta rainscreen

Air barrier

Air barrier

Cement board

Ext. strapping

Cement board

Cement board

Int. strapping

B-public modular wall panels

B-public modular wall panels

Engineered lumber floor structure

Terracotta rainscreen

Terracotta rainscreen

Engineered lumber floor structure

Engineered lumber floor structure

Shaded windows

Shaded windows

Cement board ext. finish

Cement board ext. finish

Shaded windows

Cement board ext. finish

Ext. strapping

Engineered lumber (TJI)

Ext. strapping

Int. strapping

Int. strapping

Gyp. wall board

Engineered lumber (TJI)

Engineered lumber (TJI)

Gyp. wall board

Gyp. wall board

Floor finish

Termite barrier

Floor finish

Floor finish

Termite barrier

Termite barrier

Wood studs

Rigid foam insulation

Wood studs

Wood studs

Concrete foundation

Rigid foam insulation

Rigid foam insulation

Concrete foundation

Concrete foundation

Details | Durability and Resiliance

Ext. strapping

Water resistant membrane

Terrracotta rainscreen

Engineered lumber

Shading device attachment

Shading device

Flanged window attachment

Flanged window attachment

Shading device

Shading device attachment

Terrracotta rainscreen

Ext. strapping

Terracotta fasteners

Water resistant membrane

Cavity insulation

Air barrier

Gyp. wall board

Int. strapping

Engineered lumber

Sheathing

Low E glass

Ext. strapping

Water resistant membrane

Terrracotta rainscreen

Terracotta fasteners

Flashing

Door header

Door

Sheathing

Int. strapping

Gyp. wall board

Air barrier

Cavity insulation

Engineered lumber

Drainage mat

Water resistant membrane

1” min. foam

Flashing

Sheathing

Engineered lumber (TJI)

Engineered lumber attachment

Gyp. ceiling board

Int. strapping

Gyp. wall board

Cavity insulation

Air barrier

Engineered lumber

Sheathing

Door sill

Wood studs

Floor finish

Lightweight concrete

Acoustic barrier

Air barrier

Cavity insulation

Passive | Comfort & Environmental Quality

Passive strategies contribute to the buildings sustainability. Human comfort is achieved through self shaded areas and enhanced cross ventilation. The units receive suf ficient daylight, reducing the need for artificial light and the use of energy.

Site Section

Shifting of the units creates a self shading form Ceiling fans initiate cross ventilation Orientated east to west to minimizing solar exposure.

Roof structure catches wind enhancing natural cross ventilation within the units and courtyards

Embodied Environmental Impact

Material Transportation Maps

Approximate net embodied

C02: 16,273 metric tons

Tucson,AZ

Standard CMU Assembly

organicphotovoltaic

exteriorterracotta clay

Prefabricated Wall Assembly

Global Warming (kg CO2eq) Global Warming (kg CO2eq) -3,734,374 2,280E+007 179,097 631,429 377,574 520,436 5,352,201 209,339 -252,552 589,864 Environmental Impact Enviromental Impact Product Stage [A1-A3] Product Stage [A1-A3] Construction Stage [A4] Construction Stage [A4] Use Stage [B2-B5] Use Stage [B2-B5] End of Life Stage [C2-C4] End of Life Stage [C2-C4] Module D [D] Module D [D]

26

Athletic Center

Art Center

Daylighting | Level 3

Typical Bedroom

Typical Living Space

Daylighting | Level 2

Typical Kitchen

Typical Bedroom

Open floor plans allow for adequate ventilation and distribution of light throughout each unit. Strategically placed windows enhances cross ventilation within each apartment while providing excellent light quality. Modern interior finishes give occupants a luxurious experience in each unit type while maintaining an affordable price.

Green walkable spaces shaded by pigmented OPV panels. The translucency of the OPV panels creates a joyful engaging environment.

The colorful light contrasted against white terracotta activates a playful interaction between materials.

Meandering paths connect the occupant to the desert landscape.

Vegetation in bioswales keep pathways cool