Solar architecture in Minnesota: Toward zero energy housing

This paper compares and contrasts two contemporary homes that strive to achieve net-zero energy in the state of Minnesota, including the Tofte Cabin in Tofte, Minnesota by Sarah Nettleton Architects et al and the Science House by Barbour & LaDoucer Architects et al for the Minnesota Science Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota. Each house is considered in terms of five issues: project and energy goals; reducing loads; meeting loads; energy and fuel sources; and monitoring. These homes demonstrate that there are significant opportunities for energy savings from solar design in Minnesota. Lessons are discussed related to design strategies and priorities; process and methods; installation, operations, and maintenance; monitoring and commissioning; costs; and the role of design excellence.