Solar Futures is Woodbury University’s entry in the 2023 Solar Decathlon Build Challenge: Southern California’s first permitted 3D‑printed home, designed to be net‑positive in energy, water, and environmental impact.
Our project addressed three urgent issues in Los Angeles:
• Climate: Avoiding wasteful, high-impact construction methods.
• Cost: Tackling one of the highest housing prices in the nation.
• Homelessness: Responding to the needs of over 69,000 unhoused individuals in LA County.
We designed and built Southern California’s first permitted 3D-printed house at Woodbury University. Informed by extensive research and data, the home features:
• Passive systems for energy efficiency
• Modularity and an open layout to reduce material waste and speed construction
• Water reuse systems, including greywater filtration and rainwater harvesting
• Photovoltaic panels for renewable energy
• Low-impact materials, such as CarbonCure concrete with captured CO₂ and 40% fly ash
This prototype demonstrates how design innovation can merge environmental responsibility, affordability, and livability in future housing solutions.
Instructor: Kishani De Silva & Hector Rodriguez
Tools: Revit, Rhino, Sefaira, Climate Consultant, Lumion, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)
For more info: https://solar.woodbury.edu/
Instagram: @solar_futures_wsoa
Integrated System
Modularity
Renders
Research
Strategies
Massing
Massing
Mechanical Room
Integrated System
Electrical Diagram
Heat Transfer Diagram
Water System Diagram
Hydroponic System
Hydroponic System
Energy Analysis
Sun Analysis
Structural Drawings
3D Printing Process
Roof
Version 2
Construction Photos
Carbon Cure Concrete