Clemson University Students Take First Prize at Design to Zero Competition

A team of two graduate students from Clemson University School of Architecture, Eric Laine and Suzanne Steelman, has won the international Dow Solar Design to Zero competition. The team's proposal LiveWork was awarded the first place award, along with a $20,000 prize sponsored by Dow Solar. 

LiveWork envisions a home that expands beyond traditional building sustainability and incorporates both commercial and residential functionalities. The structure embraces its urban setting in Athens, Georgia both architecturally and economically, adapting its energy systems to the regional environment and integrating those systems seamlessly into the aesthetic design of the building.

The Design to Zero competition invited architecture students to develop exceptional design innovations to achieve affordable, high performing and energy-efficient housing solutions on a global scale. Dow launched the design competition in August 2011, and received 131 entries from 19 countries. The final 32 teams were announced in December 2011 and included designs from the U.S., Canada, China, Spain, Korea, France and Australia.

Project Description from the Architects:

The live/work concept embodies the social and economic aspects of a sustainable life. With this in mind, the site is divided into 3 units to accommodate families of 2, 4 and 6 people. Located beneath each unit is a commercial space. The retail space, as a blank canvas could become anything from a market to a gallery or even a bike shop. The live/work concept is therefore in operation a full 24 hours. Because the complex is in constant use, it uses energy most efficiently.  Those who occupy the space have the opportunity to live and work economically socially and environmentally 24 hours a day.

View also the floor plans, structural and concept diagrams of LiveWork in the image gallery below.