The University of Florida recently entered their Project RE:FOCUS home in the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 competition in Madrid Spain. The Project RE:Focus home blended innovative architecture with sustainable materials to create a zero-energy home.
With a nod to Cracker House design prevalent in the late 19th century Florida, the Project RE:Focus home used innovative Accoya® wood solar screens to control solar gain in the home. The Accoya wood screens were supplied and machined to spec by Universal Forest Products. A unique feature of the Accoya solar screens is its ability to appear as a façade when closed, while becoming a cover for the porch when raised.
Accoya wood is made from sustainably-grown sources and undergoes a benign, patented acetylation process that permanently modifies the wood to the core. This increases its dimensional stability and durability to beyond that of even the best tropical hardwoods—which is why Accoya wood was chosen for the Project RE:Focus house.
Universal Forest Products carries Accoya wood for demanding exterior applications including decking, siding, windows and doors and outdoor furniture. The shrink and swell cycle of Accoya wood is reduced by 75% or more, as compared to other types of wood, resulting in coatings lasting three to five times longer under normal circumstances. Accoya machines beautifully and, since it is modified to the core, there are no untreated portions of the wood that get exposed to the elements.
The Accoya solar screens were one of the more striking features of the house, making quite an impact with both judges and the general public. The Project RE:FOCUS home won the prestigious Public Choice award, while placing second overall in the Energy Balance category and first place in the Communications category.
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