Designed as a modern urban educational facility, the 6,900 square foot building integrates the benefits of sustainability including lush gardens, fresh indoor air, rain catchment, and alternative energy sources with Vastu, an ancient eastern building philosophy, creating a true “East Meets West” structure, in line with the holistic approach of the University.

For the past decade Maharishi University of Management has been a hotbed for sustainable design and education. The University was the first to respond to the growing needs of the sustainability industry when they created the nation’s first B.S. Degree in Sustainable Living. Since then, the program has been expanding. The Sustainable Living Department offers a broad curriculum spanning areas of permaculture, alternative energies, water management, alternative building techniques, and performance design for the built environment. The new SLC is designed to be a building that teaches, incorporating the many principles taught within the degree program into an incredible example of architectural vision.

A CLOSER LOOK AT URBAN OFF-GRID DESIGN

The SLC uses a number of strategies to cover the important functions of heating, cooling, and ventilation. First, the building envelope has high levels of insulation and tight construction to minimize heat loss. Interior thermal mass, created by handmade bricks with local clays, helps maintain a steady indoor temperature. Radiant floor heating helps maintain high radiant surface temperatures that allow occupants to feel comfortable at a lower air temperature. Passive solar design features include south facing windows with overhangs that collect solar energy and boost interior temperatures during winter months, but prevent overheating by providing shading in the summer. A heat recovery ventilator allows classrooms and offices to be flushed with fresh air without an energy penalty.

Heating

The SLC has 750 square feet of evacuated tube solar thermal collectors that can harness solar energy even on cloudy days. Annually, the collectors can provide about 30 % of the thermal energy required by the building. This energy is stored in a 5,000 gallon water tank. When the building requires heat, the water is pumped into tubes just below the surface of the concrete floor. If the solar thermal panels are not able to keep up with the heating demand of the building, a ground source heat pump kicks in. The heat pump uses solar and wind generated electricity to move 2.5 units of heat from the ground for every unit of electricity used. The heat pump is capable of providing 75,000 BTUs per hour.

Cooling

When outside temperatures allow, the building is cooled by opening windows or running a large fan. When additional cooling is needed, the building can be flushed with cool night air, and air can be drawn into the building through four tubes in the earth. If additional cooling or dehumidification is needed, a ground source heat pump is used. The ground source heat pump uses solar and wind generated electricity and the constant temperature 18 feet below the surface of the earth to cool and dehumidify the building.

Renewable Energy

Ideal Energy was pleased to collaborate with Maharishi University of Management in the design and installation of the building’s environmentally conscious energy systems. Aside from the building’s high performance design features, the energy systems would need to produce enough energy to power the building uninterrupted, year round. To achieve these design criteria, we installed a combination of solar and wind energy systems which work in tandem with seasonal changes providing uninterrupted power, year round.

The SLC has an annual projected energy use of 30,000 kwh, including all electrical loads, heating and cooling. Energy consumption includes the operation of geothermal heat pumps, solar hot water pumps, air circulation and lighting, in addition to the variety of electronics used within the classrooms and offices of the building.
In Southeast Iowa, wind production is highest in the winter and spring, versus photovoltaic production, which peaks in the summer and is minimized during winter months. To maintain year-round renewable energy production in Iowa, solar and wind is a vital combination.

For this project we installed a Bergey XL 10 wind turbine, which sits atop a 100 foot latticed tower. The turbine has a 23 foot diameter rotor and output is rated at 10 kW. With only three moving parts and no scheduled maintenance necessary, this unit is more reliable than any other small turbine on the market. The estimated annual output is 17,00 kwh, with power production peaking in the winter and spring (source: Iowa Energy Center).

The photovoltaic system consists of 12.5 kw of PV panels, installed across three locations on the SLC property. The arrays produce an accumulative 16,250 kwh per year, with higher in production during the summer (source: NREL’s PV Watts). The solar ties into three SMA Sunny Boy inverters (two 2.5 kW inverters and, one 5 kW inverter) and an Outback 3600 watt battery based grid-tie inverter. Any surplus power from the solar and wind systems help power other buildings on campus.

LEADING THE WAY FORWARD

In addition to the off-grid design, the Sustainable Living Center also delights with unique architecture and innovative design. Visitors are greeted with quaint herb gardens and stunning whole tree round timber framing. The building is constructed of natural materials and finished with locally made clay plasters. The southern façade features an indoor greenhouse, where students can practice permaculture design, or enjoy quiet relaxation for studying. And true to the educational nature of the building, self-guided tours instruct guests on the many sustainable features of this brilliantly forward-thinking structure, and offers a vision of a vibrant, green future.

Ideal Energy is pleased to announce the completion of a 54 kilowatt solar array, designed and constructed for The Sky Factory, a global fine art and technology company based in Fairfield, Iowa. Join Ideal Energy and The Sky Factory in inaugurating this landmark renewable energy system! Hear from Mayor Ed Malloy why Oprah calls Fairfield one of the greenest communities in America. Tour the solar array and learn about the latest in solar technology from former US Navy SEAL and Ideal Energy owner Troy VanBeek. Witness the signing of the original Eco-Conscience Pledge and honor Fairfield youth – our “eco-conscience” of the future. Participate in flipping the switch, Rube Goldberg style, and cheer as the system goes live − with a surprise or two. Anyone interested is welcome to come.

WHAT:

On Thursday, June 7, 2012, The Sky Factory, will “flip the switch” to become Iowa’s first net-zero solar powered business. Designed and installed by Fairfield’s Ideal Energy, the 3,500 sq. ft. photovoltaic panel array, generating 54 kilowatts, is the largest private installation in the state and will generate 104% of Sky Factory’s power needs.

WHEN:

Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
11:00 A.M. — Tours of the Sky Factory, the new solar array, and organic garden featuring greenhouse
with rocket stove, composting system, and just arrived baby chicks.
11:30 A.M. — Presentations by Sky Factory founder Bill Witherspoon, Mayor Ed Malloy, Ideal Energy
owners Troy VanBeek and Amy Greenfield. Fairfield youth share their thoughts on what it means to
serve as an Eco-conscience of the future. Group signing of the Eco-Conscience Pledge.
11:50 A.M. — The celebration will culminate in a collective “flipping the switch” to launch the Sky
Factory as a net-zero solar powered company. From that point on, Sky Factory’s Illusions of Nature
products, in primary use as stress-relieving technologies in healthcare facilities, will be created with
wholesome, solar-made electricity.
12:00 PM – Interview opportunities and continuation of tours.

WHO:

The Sky Factory creates Illusions of Nature – virtual skylights and windows – that transform interior environments and enliven our innate biophilia. Products are designed and manufactured in Fairfield, Iowa, and distributed globally through a network of authorized International Partners. The company founded the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) in 2008; the mission of its non-profit organization is to initiate and support the development, research and implementation of sustainable systems that are locally and globally relevant.

Available for interviews will be Sky Factory Founder Bill Witherspoon, Ideal Energy Owners Troy Van Beek and Amy Greenfield, Mayor Ed Malloy and Sky Factory employee-owners. Fairfield youth will present their ideas on sustainability and pledge to serve as the eco-conscience of their family, school, community, and the world.

WHY:

Implementing renewable energy systems is the right thing to do – for the planet, for our children and for ourselves – a necessity for a sustainable future. Sky Factory’s solar array is a manifestation of a consensus-based company and represents our unified desire to develop and act on that inner knowing.

Inspired by Jack Eastman, long-time Sierra Club leader and Sky Factory’s own eco-conscience, we began to investigate and implement sustainable practices throughout the company. Sky Factory total recycling, the new energy conserving building, and implementation of a renewable energy system all spring from Jack’s dedication to an eco-centric awareness of life and living.

Further, for the last several decades bio-evolutionary science has been honing the idea that human beings have an innate love of nature, called biophilia. This instinctive attraction to nature has been dampened by the way modern life has distanced us from contact and connection with nature. Enlivening our inherent biophilia draws us closer to our roots in the natural world, renews our sensitivity to the wonder of nature, and delivers proven benefits for body and mind.

The Sky Factory’s primary business is to create illusions of nature that enliven biophilia. In turn, enlivened biophilia promotes a life deeply connected with nature. As our instinctive appreciation and love of nature grows, we care for nature with greater enthusiasm and understanding.

Oprah’s feature follows Troy through his heart-pounding adventures as a US Navy SEAL, and work as lead sniper the President of Afghanistan’s security detail, to finding peace in the cornfields of Iowa.

Learn more about the episode on the Oprah’s Next Chapter website here.

Oprah’s Next Chapter with Troy Van Beek

Photos from our Next Chapter experience:

Amy Greenfield + Mitra Muehlman
Mitra Muehlman’s interest in building deepened during his studies at Maharishi University of Management’s Sustainable Living program. For his senior project, Mitra designed and began construction on his own 700 sq ft. timber frame home, based on principles he learned while earning his degree. Mitra is seeing his project through to completion, using clean, solar energy as his electrical source. Troy Van Beek, of Ideal Energy just completed installing a 1.8 KW photovoltaic array on Mitra’s house, helping the home achieve off-grid status.

Amy Greenfield is an Eco Architectural Designer at Ideal Energy. Her designs use up to 90% less energy compared to average Midwest construction. She has designed and built nearly 20 homes in Southeast Iowa, several of which are completely off-grid for electricity, sewer treatment, and water. Amy joined the Ideal Energy team in 2009 to offer expertise in high performance construction and construction management. Amy’s formal education includes a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Maharishi University of Management, and Passive House Design at Parson’s New School.

AG: Fairfield is a relatively small rural community, as a younger member of the community, what has driven your decision to stay here and build a home?

MM: More than anything I think it’s just that, the community. While I was designing and constructing the home I had dozens of friends offer to help, which made me so much more excited to actually go through with the project. I’m really excited to have a place that I can call home in my hometown.

AG: I would certainly agree that the enthusiasm is part of what makes Fairfield such a great place to live, and really allows young community members to be involved in projects that might be more challenging to accomplish in a bigger city. You and I have both had the opportunity to be involved in building projects at a younger age, which I think is an accomplishment that has a lot to do with the support of the community at large.
So lets talk about your project. A fundamental element in sustainable design that has really caught my attention in the past few years is working with a smaller square footage in the overall house design. You’ve really minimized the size of your house at just 700 sq ft, what was your idea behind creating a smaller living space?

MM: I got my bachelors in sustainable living here at MUM, and smaller design is one thing that they emphasized. Though they usually focused on it from the standpoint of creating a less damaging impact on nature by using no more resources than were necessary. But what really stuck with me was that if I kept the place small, I could build something much nicer, for a lower price. Instead of having an extra bedroom I could put in beautiful bamboo floors and a tiled shower. I walk inside now and think, “This is my mansion.” I really enjoy the comfort of a smaller living space.

AG: Was there a pivotal moment that inspired you to build a home? And is there a particular design feature that stands out the most for you?

MM: The moment that I always say inspired me to build was when I visited Robert Laporte and his company ‘EcoNest’ in New Mexico on a 6 week road trip I took with the SL department at MUM. His homes are jaw dropping, timber framed, straw/clay structures. I traveled back to New Mexico to take his month long natural building intensive. I started with the goal to make exactly what he had, but had to scale back at every step. I decided to make life a little easier on myself, being a first time builder.
The best feature of the place is the timber frame. I’m really glad I kept the timber frame aspect from the original idea. The whole house is built around the timbers so they are the real inspiration for every other design decision. Other design features include wood stove and in-floor radiant heat, ceiling fan and possible window AC unit for cooling, blown in cellulose insulation, and of course, the house if off-grid for electrical use with the solar array. I don’t have a permanent generator as back-up yet, but eventually will. The overall site design also includes constructed wetlands for all wastewater.

AG: It’s pretty exciting for us (Ideal Energy) to be involved with creating an off-grid home. Renewable energy can be a solution for individuals in rural areas where electricity is not immediately available, or at a greater expense to run utility grid electrical lines into the building. I know this is an issue you dealt with during your construction project. Would you describe the cost difference between connecting to the grid versus the renewable system you chose for your home?

MM: I have been very interested in solar energy since a science fair project I did in 8th on PV cells. In the field of sustainability, nothing is cooler than creating clean, renewable electricity. But still I had to research all available paths, which meant talking to Alliant Energy. They gave me an estimate for over $30,000 to hook me up to their grid, not to mention the monthly electric bills I would be signing up for. Solar was about 1/3 that price, plus the 30% government renewable energy tax credit, making it the crystal clear choice. People talk about decade long returns on renewables, in this case, it basically paid itself off the first day. And now, it is without a doubt the coolest part of my home!

AG: Designing and building your own home is quite an undertaking. Any experiences you’d like to share from the process? Do you think you’d do it again?

MM: It’s been full time job. Someone asked me a similar question a while ago and I told them it has been the most challenging, frustrating, stressful, fun, rewarding, and educational endeavor I could imagine for myself. So yeah, I think that if the opportunity comes up, I would do it again. I’m extremely happy with the way it has turned out but I know I could make something twice as great next time.

Keep your wind turbine generating power and profits

Ideal team members Mark Stimson & Troy Van Beek have been busy recommissioning a Whisper 500 wind turbine. The turbine has been powering two homes for about 10 years in rural Southeast Iowa. It’s in good condition, and with a few repairs and modifications the output and life-cycle of the turbine will be increased. If you’re a turbine owner, it’s important to maximize the life-cycle of your system by performing regular maintenance. Check out the details of our restoration process below.

Diagnostics

Over time, wind shear can cause damage to wind turbines including:

Additionally, in some turbines, shock absorbers are use to feather the tail out of the wind–another area in the unit that takes heavy stress. Performing a yearly inspection reduces overall downtime and increases productivity, keeping the turbine spinning when it’s needed the most. To assess this Whisper 500, Troy and Mark first disassemble the unit and stripped off the old paint. Then they performed an inspection to identify missing or loose hardware, stress cracks, dents and corrosion. Since structural integrity is paramount, previous repairs are also checked and any problems resolved prior to reapplying paint.

Recomissioning

Troy and Mark focused on repairing fractured blades with fiberglass patches and repainting the unit with multiple coats of ultra-rugged, aircraft enamel with extreme durability. This painting system ensures protection against harsh environmental conditions including UV rays and airborne pollution. Additionally, bearings were upgraded before the turbine was reassembled. Since this is an off-grid system, Troy and Mark also upgraded the battery bank and wiring to increase the overall efficiency of the system.

After the repairs were completed, the turbine was commissioned again and tests run to verify the output of the system, ensuring optimal performance.

Check out the photo journal from the project below.