Sustainability is a huge goal for many industries, including home construction. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has recognized the need for educating students on green practices. They developed a student organization called Illinois Solar Decathlon. This organization competes in Solar Decathlon Build and Solar Decathlon Design competitions. Through participation in these Department of Energy-sponsored competitions, students learn about green building and develop an environmentally sustainable future—while also building livable solar-powered homes for local residents!
In late 2020, after three years of planning, the Illinois Solar Decathlon began fabricating students’ designs. PVCFittingsOnline had the honor of supplying plumbing materials for this new project, cleverly named ADAPTHAUS. We were amazed with the work these brilliant students accomplished, and we wanted to share it with everyone. Here is a brief summary of the project:
ADAPTHAUS: A Sustainable Home Building Project
ADAPTHAUS is an adaptable, affordable, and sustainable home that was recently built by University of Illinois students in Champaign. This house has been designed and constructed so that it can meet the needs of young adults now and in a more sustainable future. Not only does it have photovoltaic panels, but it also has key features that make it a thriving green home. With its modular layout, the space can be adapted to the multipurpose needs of the residents. The modularity of the home also helps with water conservation and efficiency because the water fixtures are consolidated to one module. Additionally, smart home systems were integrated into every area of the home, including a smart TV and smart plugs. This home was also equipped with Energy Star certified and ADA-compliant appliances and energy-efficient LED lighting. Every part of ADAPTHAUS was designed for sustainability, including the ecological landscape and food garden.
We believe ADAPTHAUS is just the beginning of a fully green future. The hundreds of University of Illinois students who worked on this project have shown us just how possible it is to create a home that is functional and sustainable. We’re proud to have supported this project by providing PVC pipe and fittings for the plumbing in this home. With our contributions and those of other sponsors, U of I students were able to design an efficient home, complete with plumbing that reduces water consumption (for more information watch this video). We can’t wait to see what else these innovative students come up with in their future endeavors.
We are happy to say that the University of Illinois team stood 4th in the Solar Decathlon 2021 Build Competition! Congratulations, University of Illinois!
The sustainable home will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, who will give the house to a low-income community resident. For more images and product details, check out the project page here.
Encouraging Green Innovation
Every time we work with a school or university, we learn something new. We’re honored the Illinois Solar Decathlon reached out to us about their project ADAPTHAUS. PVC Fittings Online is committed to educating students, and we’re always looking for ways to offer our support. If you have a green project you would like us to support, complete our project interest form. We look forward to hearing from you!
PVC Materials List Used
PVC Pipes
1-1/4" Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe 4004-012AB - 5ft
1-1/2" Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe 4004-015AB - 5ft
2" Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe 4004-020AB - 5ft
3" Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe 4004-030AB - 5ft
4" Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe 4004-040AB - 5ft
Elbows
1-1/4" Sch 40 PVC 90 Elbow Soc 406-012
1-1/2" Sch 40 PVC 90 Elbow Soc 406-015
2" Sch 40 PVC 90 Elbow Soc 406-020
2" x 1-1/4" Sch 40 Reducing 90 Elbow - Soc x Fipt 407-250
3" Sch 40 PVC 90 Sweep Elbow Soc 406-030
Couplings
4" x 3" Schedule 40 Reducing Coupling (S x S) 429-422
1-1/4" Sch 40 PVC Coupling Fipt 430-012
1-1/2" Sch 40 PVC Coupling - Socket (429-015)
2" Schedule 40 PVC Coupling - FIPT X FIPT (430-020)
3" Sch 40 PVC Coupling - Socket (429-030)
Tees
1-1/2" Schedule 40 PVC Tee - Socket x Socket x Socket (401-015)
2" x 2" x 1-1/2" Schedule 40 PVC Reducing Tee - Socket x Socket x Socket (401-251)
3" x 3" x 2" Schedule 40 PVC Reducing Tee - Socket x Socket x Socket (401-338)
3" Schedule 40 PVC Tee - Socket x Socket x Socket (401-030)
4" Schedule 40 PVC Tee - Socket x Socket x Socket (401-040)
Wyes
1-1/2" Sch 40 PVC Wye Soc 475-015
P-Traps
2" DWV PVC P-Trap (P706X-020 / D706-020)
1-1/2" DWV PVC P-Trap w/ Cleanout (P707X-015 / D707-015)
Cleanouts
4" DWV PVC Fitting Cleanout Adapter and Plug (D112-040 / P105X-040)
3" DWV PVC Fitting Cleanout Adapter and Plug (D112-030 / P105X-030)
2" DWV PVC Fitting Cleanout Adapter and Plug (D112-020 / P105X-020)
Valves
2" PVC True Union Ball Check Valve (SK-TUBC-T-020) - Threaded
3/4" Apollo Bronze Backflow Preventer Valve (4ALF204A2F)
Note, while not used in this specific project, PVCFittingsOnline also carries a selection of CTS Piping and CTS Fittings, sometimes needed for certain house installation applications.