The Project

The project is a guest house for international dignitaries visiting the Nation‘s Capital. A showcase, this project should be a model of energy efficiency and the Client has decided that this project be designed utilizing brick because of the common characteristics of this construction around the world. By exploring the thermal qualities of clay masonry construction, designers are asked to create a net-zero energy building utilizing this as a primary material.

Project Program

The project consists of apartments for the visiting dignitaries and some adjacent meeting spaces. In general, meals are prepared and provided from another facility. Assume that the entire site is secure and other personnel are accommodated in other facilities.

4 – 2 BR/2 bath Apartments for dignitaries and their families. Provide living space, kitchenette and private study in each.
8 – 1 BR/1 bath Suites for diplomats. Provide living / work space with kitchenette. Bedrooms to accommodate 2 Queen beds. Living space to accommodate convertible sofa.
1 – Large conference room to accommodate 60 people
4 – Break-out rooms to accommodate 20 people each.
Lobby / Lounge area — Large enough to accommodate receptions
Prep Kitchen
Restrooms
Office, locker and rest area for security personnel

Project Site

The hypothetical site is located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, near Camp David and 70 miles from Washington, DC. For maps, scales and images of the project site, please visit the Site Information page.

For the purposes of the competition, entrants can assume that the cooling degree days (CDD) are 2,000 and that the heating degree days (HDD) are 5,500.

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The Challenge

The use of brick in creating human shelter has a history that is at least 4,000 years old and until recently has been the prevailing strategy for maximizing user comfort in many regions of the World. Ironically, many of these passive techniques are now considered “alternative” or new.

In the context of increased emphasis on sustainability and integrative design, this Competition seeks to attract and promote new ideas in the manufacturing of, the application of, or the physical arrangement of clay masonry units that promote energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable building design.

Entrants are asked to design a passively heated and cooled building using clay masonry as a primary material. While integration of ideas into a complete building design solution are encouraged, we are also interested in ideas about the nature of the masonry unit, wall assemblies and other studies that contribute to the knowledge and integration of masonry and environmentally efficient construction. Entries that explore specific technical aspects of the “brick” or an assembly are encouraged. Such submissions should discuss the application and contribution of their idea to a building design. Entries limited to material studies or assemblies will be give full consideration under a separate category.

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