Cynthia H Picture 2
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Green Retreat
This energy efficient vacation cottage functions "off the grid". A working wind turbine powers two LED light fixtures, one inside and one outside the front door. Photovoltaic (solar) cells power four more LED light fixtures under the sleeping loft, a functional ceiling fan, and a rechargeable battery which powers another LED light in the loft when the sun goes down.
The large picture window, which features stained glass inserts along the top, provides passive solar heating of the cottage; an awning blocks the sun's rays in summer. The screened skylight opens, allowing natural ventilation throughout. The modern stools, television table, and light fixtures are fashioned from acrylic, the rug is crocheted from reused cotton thread.
Our Green Retreat includes models of Energy Star appliances installed under the counter in the galley kitchen, a flat screen television, and a hot tub on the deck with water heated by a passive solar unit on the roof. The green roof, "planted" with varieties of sedum and other low-growing plants, absorbs rain water and provides insulation.
Green Retreat was designed and constructed by eighth grade Industrial Technology students at Thomas Middle School, Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Thank you for providing this opportunity for our students to showcase their work. They enjoy building working home models, all of which begin with a Greenleaf or Corona Concepts kit. We completed six models in the 2009-2010 school year.
Cynthia H
Industrial Technology Teaching Assistant
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