SOLAR DECATHLON

What is Solar Decathlon?

IDS participates in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge

in which interdisciplinary teams create innovative and high-performance building designs that address real-world issues related to climate change, affordability, and environmental justice.

Link to Official Solar Decathlon page

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Project for 2024 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge

EcOHAVEN

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In 2025, IDS plans to construct eleven EcoHaven houses for the Honour House Society, a local charity, demonstrating the viability of their solution for creating disaster-resilient homes and supporting the expansion of mental health treatment programs for veterans and frontline workers.

EcoHaven focuses on addressing climate concerns like wildfires, extreme heat, and flooding. Modular construction ensures reproducibility, cost savings, and occupant well-being, with an integrated design process promoting innovation and sustainability.

RIVER CROSSING

Objective: Improve resiliency, accessibility, and sustainability of residential housing in the remote Village of Lytton, BC, following a devastating wildfire in June 2021.

Structure: Four custom-designed units with private outdoor spaces.

Target Demographics: Emphasis on accommodating families and seniors, with adaptable layouts for multigenerational living or rental opportunities at market rates.

Resilient and Sustainable Design: River Crossing showcases a non-combustible timber structure in a high-risk area, employing an enclosure-first approach and prefabricated materials for rapid construction. Meeting DOE ZERH, BC Step Code 5, and LEED Platinum certifications, it prioritizes environmental impact, optimized orientation for energy efficiency, and net-positive energy generation through roof-mounted photovoltaic panels.