Solar Decathlon Residence Boasts a Metal Sales Roof

LOUISVILLE, KY…Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation is a proud sponsor of Team Kentuckiana in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013.

The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate teams to design and build solar-powered houses. Team Kentuckiana is comprised of students from University of Louisville, Ball State University and the University of Kentucky. The team designed the ‘Phoenix House,’ a prefabricated and modular post-disaster structure that can be quickly assembled in the wake of a natural disaster.

Metal Sales^TM provided technical support and donated 1,551 square-feet of 24 gauge PBR-panels with a PVDF (Kynar 500^®) finish in their Linen White color. The PBR-panel provides 36” coverage and features a trapezoidal rib on 12” centers and an exposed fastener.

The metal roof contributes to the project’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals. All Metal Sales panel colors are listed with ENERGY STAR^® because they are designed to reflect solar heat and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the home. The metal panels are 100% recyclable and contain a high percentage of recycled material. They are performance tested for resistance against environmental threats such as high winds, fire and impact.

“We chose metal over other types of roofing materials because of its resistance to disastrous conditions such as wind and fire,” said Dr. Mark McGinley, professor at University of Louisville. “The modular nature of the home also required that it utilize lightweight roofing materials. Finally, metal acts as a great substrate for solar panels and rainwater catchment.”

The Phoenix House is designed to be a permanent housing solution after natural disasters. Metal’s longevity makes it an ideal choice for the structure. A metal roof is expected to last more than 50 years and requires little to no maintenance when properly installed.

“Metal Sales fully supported us throughout this project,” said Dr. McGinley. “Their experts were at the job site to ensure our students installed the panels correctly and efficiently.”

The Phoenix House consists of two modules that are transported to the site and can be set up in a week. The main module contains the kitchen, dining room, bathroom, utility room and a living space that can double as a bedroom. Trusses that are designed to be collapsible during transportation support the roof. The pitched roof is raised into place during assembly at an ideal slope for the photovoltaic array and rainwater collection. All of the power for the house is provided by 27 solar panels and extra power is fed back into the grid or stored in batteries to be used during cloudy days.

“The Phoenix House showcases how metal roofing can be incorporated into a resilient, safe and sustainable home,” said Christian Nolte, vice president of Marketing and Sales at Metal Sales. “A metal roof from Metal Sales is an excellent choice for sustainable building projects. We are thrilled to lend our support to Team Kentuckiana and wish them the best of luck in the national competition.”

The Phoenix House plans to apply for LEED^® Gold certification. Other sustainable building elements include reclaimed materials, a greywater treatment system, LED lighting and light-diffusing insulated glass windows. For more information visit sd2013.teamkentuckiana.org. 

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is an award-winning program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. Twenty teams have been selected to compete in this year’s competition taking place October 3-13 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA. For more information visit www.solardecathlon.gov.