Overview

Home Depot Smart Home

Duke University

This 10-person "live-in research laboratory" is the centerpiece of the Pratt School of Engineering Smart Home program. More than 450 students from diverse academic disciplines participate in the program, benefiting from hands-on experience and conducting research on smart living.

 

The home is a showcase of "green" design. Students selected to live in the house enjoy a multitude of eco-friendly and high-tech elements, allowing them to live with the benefits (and sometimes consequences) of their technology design and deployment decisions.

 

Sponsored by The Home Depot, Smart Home Project students are encouraged to utilize the home to explore new technologies not being addressed through commercially available equipment.

 

Location
Durham, North Carolina

 

Size
6,000 sf

 

Cost
$2 million


Industry


Specialized Service

Approach

Duke turned to SmithGroup to serve as managing architect and oversee construction of the home, designed by Frank Harmon Architect. Driven by the inspiration of students, the home responds directly to a commitment to innovation and the integration of sustainable technologies. Unique features, such as a removable wall panel system, provide flexibility and access to infrastructure for future technology experiments. More than just an exhibit of the latest green strategies, the project highlighted opportunities to merge the creative use of technology with the goals of a diverse stakeholders group. 

Sustainability

Receiving a LEED-NC Platinum certification, the Smart Home achieved the U.S. Green Building Council's top-level rating. This unique dormitory is the first ever platinum-rated student residence hall.

 

From its rooftop garden to its photovoltaic panels, the home integrates readily available sustainable systems. Rainwater harvesting, solar hot water heating, a rain garden, energy recovery ventilators, and the use of renewable and recycled materials throughout demonstrate many of the home's high performance building strategies. In addition, innovative building systems researched and introduced by students enhance customary environmentally-conscious technology, including voice recognition, shower water heat recovery, and energy performance and water usage monitoring.

Testimonials

"This is the strongest possible response to all those out there who told me that Smart Home could never be built and who told me that Platinum [LEED Rating] was out of reach.  Clearly, persistence and an amazing team can do what many think is impossible."

 

Tom Rose, Director Emeritus of the Smart Home Program

Duke University

Recognition

  • Recognition Award--Higher Education, Excellence in Green Building Education Awards, (submitted by Duke University), U.S. Green Building Council, 2009
  • High-Performance Building, Beyond Green High-Performance Building Awards, Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC), 2008
  • Green Award, Nonprofit Education Program (submitted by Duke University), Triangle Business Journal, 2008
  • Eagle Award, Other/Specialty Category - Under $2 million; Excellence in Construction Awards (submitted by Bovis Lend Lease), Associated Builders & Contractors, Carolinas Chapter, 2008
  • Carolinas Green Award; Excellence in Construction Awards (submitted by Bovis Lend Lease), Associated Builders & Contractors, Carolinas Chapter, 2008

 

 

"Living in a Green Laboratory," Building Design + Construction, September 2008

 

 

More information is available on the following websites:

 

 

 

 

Click here to read the comprehensive case study in the Whole Building Design Guide.