It’s pouring rain and cold in Washington so it doesn’t seem very solar. But it was fun to see all the solar, off-the-power-grid houses in the Solar Decathlon competition sponsored by the U.S. Dept of Energy. All my photos of the houses are here; more information is on the website here. Germany won, Illinois second, California third. There were two submissions from Canada, one each from Cuba, Spain and other US states. Above, Cornell University.

Below, Team Germany, Winner.

Above, Ohio State. Below, Team Minnesota.

Above, Team Illinois, 2nd place. Below, Team California, 3rd place.

These photos are from an an article by Terence Conran in UK’s Telegraph online, based on his new Eco House Book(Octopus, 2009). This house is completely off the grid, and was built by one man alone over an 18-month period. Its shape mimics traditional Normandy rural architecture and in many ways its living methods are just as traditional; at night it’s lit with storm lanterns. This may not be the way everyone wants to live, but it’s very comfortable and when the power grid goes out, nothing changes. Its credentials include siting to take advantage of passive solar strategies; minimal foundations; timber structure, recycled timber joinery, cedar cladding; no timber treatment; wood-burning masonry stove; no connection to electrical grid; lighting provided by candles and storm lanterns; and natural ventilation provided by vents and high-level windows. And it’s perfect for anyone who likes the look of wild grain plywood. I’m not sure about the ship-style bunks but the building’s face, at top, is beautiful. For more on eco-building from the Telegraph, which is running a series of these features, start with down on the eco farm.