Course Syllabus

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The UCSC Tiny House Design Lab serves as an applied science hands-on, project based learning environment. The course gives students the opportunity to practice and apply the concepts of design and engineering. In the process of practice a diverse set of practical skills are learned.

Specific project tasks include :

  • Project Management

    Training in web-based project management and collaboration tool (such as Basecamp) to manage to-dos, les, messages, schedules, and milestones. Establish team roles based on student interests and encourage team-work and integral design methods.

  • Architectural Design
    Iterative design process to get from concept to completion in team environment using research and design skills.

  • Sketching and Drafting
    Communicate visual ideas and spacial relationships in 2d sketches and drafting.

  • Physical scale modeling
    3D design using scale modeling to simulate form, structure, material choices and func    - tions

  • 3D modeling
    Virtual modeling, solar analysis, site analysis, dimensioning

  • Structural Engineering
    Foundations, wall framing, shear walls, environmental forces

  • Construction Management
    Budgeting, green building materials sourcing and application.

  • Renewable Energy Integration
    System sizing, design and installation.

  • Micro Controllers
    Smart home automation using micro controllers to regulate temperature, IAQ, power consumption/monitoring, transparencies, etc.

     

 

Project Summary

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The UCSC Multi-use Micro Pod Tiny House emphasizes flexibility and portability as a key feature for sustainable design. It is portable in order to be easily installed in a variety of locations. It’s light weight structure allow it to be transported by a common passenger car. It is designed in pan- els for (dis)assembly. Its design for multiple uses allows it to adapt to current needs.

The project development from concept to completion allows students to experience a variety of integrated project-based hands on training in architecture, engineering, applied sciences, construction and electronics as well as soft skills in team collaboration and project management.

Uses :

  • Temporary housing

  • Job site utility trailer

  • Renewable power source

  • Field research station

  • Secure storage

  • Sound & media booth

  • Educational net-zero tiny house display

  • Mobile greenhouse

Key Design Features 

  • Portable

  • Built on an 4’ x 8’ utility trailer ($370.00)

  • Light weight transported with standard passanger car

  • Interior transforms into work space, lounge space & sleeping area

  • Net-zero renewable energy system

  • Floor framing extends a max width of 8’

  • Comfortable interior head room of 7 feet

  • Max allowable trailer capacity (Max GVR) 1980 lbs.

  • Use recycled / reclaimed / donated materials

  • Water storage

  • Bamboo siding grown, harvested, and processed at UCSC

  • Modular design for (dis)assembly

 

Power system

 

  • Three Solarworld, 315W, Sunmodule Pro-Series XL, Silver Mono

  • WSS Battery Bank UPG 200ah @ 24VDC 4,800 watt hours

  • Midnite Solar Classic MPPT Charge Controller 150

  • Magnum Energy MMS1012G Inverter

  • Wind generator back-up

    Smart Systems Integration

  • Central Controller (such as Arduino and RaspberryPi) remote control and access

  • Renewable energy system monitoring

  • Home security monitoring

  • Air quality monitoring (for IAQ and eld research)

  • Automated shading

  • Automated lighting

  • Ultra-sonic distance monitoring

  • Water level and solar thermal monitoring

 

Long Term Applications

San Jose Emergency Bridge Housing Communities

“Effective January 1, 2017, the bill amends the Shelter Crisis Act to authorize a ve year pilot program allowing the City of San Jose, upon a declaration of a shelter crisis, to create emergency bridge housing (bridge housing) for the homeless, which includes temporary housing in new or existing structures on City-owned or City-leased property.”

Fort Ord Veterans Transition Center
Twenty unit small house development at former Fort Ord in collaboration with Veterans Transition Center and The Sustainability Academy.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due