ASU-E3 House Prototype
Appalachian State University Campus
Envisioned as a response to the common FEMA trailers used for housing after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the ASU-E3 House is a prototypical dwelling designed and constructed for use in remote or disaster relief situations where electricity and access to public sanitation are unavailable. Unlike most compact and transportable shelters, the ASU-E3 House is self-sufficient, adaptable to a variety of environmental, contextual and cultural situations. Using a hybridization of modular and local construction techniques to create an energy-efficient envelope, it serves as a high performance, independent machine for living that can accommodate up to five occupants. A collaborative design/build project conceived by Building Science faculty members, designed by Prof. Chad Everhart, AIA and built by Department of Technology graduate students, the ASU-E3 House harvests as well as purifies rainwater from the roof, contains an electric composting toilet, filters grey water through a portable living machine, includes a solar thermal hot water system, and is completely powered by a large photovoltaic system with battery storage.
