THE NEXUSHAUS: GET CONNECTED IN CENTRAL AUSTIN

INTRODUCTION

The NexusHaus is the entry for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 competition of the cross-cultural team The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and Technische Universität München (TUM). It demonstrates a, solar-powered and zero-water capable home designed for Central Texas. Its innovations serve as catalysts for change, leading the residential housing industry toward more sustainable practices. NexusHaus offers homeowners the chance to directly participate in the energy economy, moving from energy consumers to becoming energy producers. This potential source of rental income can be used to defray increasing property taxes. The energy and water concepts in NexusHaus make the house more marketable for property owners to a growing group of ideologically motivated people, who want to have a low-impact lifestyle. The target resident is also less interested in the total square footage of the unit but places a premium on location in a city where access to recreation and downtown is increasingly important. NexusHaus was recently voted “Best What's Next in Austin Architecture” in this year's The Austin Chronicle Best of Austin.