Students in Georgia Tech’s School of Architecture will be researching zero energy housing concepts in studio over the next year thanks to $133,000 worth of funding sponsored by Alcoa Foundation and Architecture for Humanity and a $25,000 contribution from NY-based furniture solutions company Resource Furniture.

The interdisciplinary seminar and studio, led by School of Architecture faculty members Michael Gamble, Russell Gentry and Gottfried Augenbroe, will explore the development of well-designed, ultra-low energy, cost effective urban housing by researching energy and design, material and spatial innovation, and community design. Students majoring in architecture, high performance building, and engineering will work together to research and, ultimately, fully design, engineer and build a four- to ten-unit Net Zero Energy house prototype that will become a living laboratory for ultra-low energy efficiency testing and other related research.

“Cities are once again becoming popular places to live,” said Michael Gamble, associate professor and principal investigator on the project. “Because of this, and since the demand for affordable, energy efficient housing outpaces the supply, it is imperative that we work to develop cutting-edge housing and demographic research, new design proposals, and pragmatic policy recommendations that expand housing options. Thanks to the Alcoa Foundation, Architecture for Humanity, and Resource Furniture, we’ll be able to make significant headway in that direction.”

The three-year, $133,000 from Alcoa Foundation, will fund the project’s overall scope, from the complete design/build exercise to community engagement to high performance building curriculum development. Alcoa’s local partner, Southface Energy Institute, will provide technical assistance to the students as they work to incorporate energy efficient design and technologies into their projects.

“We are excited to be working with the School of Architecture on this project,” said Tricia Napor, project manager of Alcoa Foundation. “It is critical that we spur community engagement and discussion around our future housing needs. This project will not only provide insights into advances around design and energy delivery, but advances in educational models, as well as in the use of innovative materials and construction methods.”

Resource Furniture became interested in the project after conversations with recent School of Architecture alumnus, Stephen Taul, whose common interest in micro-living trends will be further investigated as he supports the students in the studio.

The gift from the New York-based furniture distributor will facilitate the students’ investigation of Net Zero Energy housing in the classroom and studio. Resource Furniture is particularly focused on the development of hyper-functional, energy-efficient technologies and several of their installations have recently been featured in well-published exhibitions on the topic.

 “The work that the students will do in this studio is incredibly important, and could revolutionize the housing industry,” said Ron Barth, co-founder of Resource Furniture. “Not only do we see the increasingly important role that energy efficiency is playing in housing, but this initiative is perfectly aligned with the values we have held for many years – we are honored to have a small role in getting this project off the ground.”

From start to finish the project will be three years, with an additional five years of testing after completion. For ongoing information about the project, vist http://www.zedhstudio.com/.

About Resource Furniture

Since 2000, Resource Furniture has offered the most inspired and innovative furniture solutions available in the world.  With a commitment to providing support and sponsorships of game-changing non-profit and educational initiatives, Resource Furniture is redefining the way consumers and designers think about space. With showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Mexico City, Resource Furniture is now the largest and most comprehensive source for cutting-edge, multi-functional living systems in North America.  www.resourcefurniture.com.

About Alcoa Foundation

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately US$460 million. Founded 60 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than US$570 million since 1952. In 2012, Alcoa Foundation contributed more than US$21 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, building innovative partnerships to improve the environment and educate tomorrow’s leaders for careers in manufacturing and engineering. The work of Alcoa Foundation is further enhanced by Alcoa’s thousands of employee volunteers who share their talents and time to make a difference in the communities where Alcoa operates. Through the Company’s signature Month of Service program, in 2012, a record 60 percent of Alcoa employees took part in more than 1,050 events across 24 countries, benefiting more than 450,000 people and 2,050 nonprofit organizations.

About Southface

Southface is the Southeast's nonprofit leader in the promotion of sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Learn more at www.southface.org.