Milgard Windows Perform in U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
Efficiency Competition
Student-led Team California Entry Utilizes Energy-efficient Milgard Windows
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Milgard's industry-leading stand on energy
efficiency was on display at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of
Team California's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy's fourth Solar
Decathlon competition. For three weeks, 20 teams of college students competed
to design, build and operate the most attractive, marketable and
energy-efficient 800-square-foot solar powered home.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091027/SF99858)
Designed with the idea that sustainability and green living don't have to
involve compromise or sacrifice, the house is a striking example of modern
building technology and how our homes can be energy efficient and also very
livable.
"Milgard is proud to have been a part of the Team California entry," said
Scott Morgan, VP of sales and marketing for Milgard. "The students from Santa
Clara University and California College of the Arts designed and built a
beautiful house with a unique design that incorporated an impressive amount of
glass, making its enclosed courtyard part of the home's living area."
The house was designed to take full advantage of the sunny California climate.
The home's windows and multiple sliding glass doors utilize Milgard's
thermally-improved aluminum technology. Milgard partnered with Southwall
Technologies and used their Heat Mirror® insulating glass for the highest
possible thermal performance. Where Heat Mirror glass could not be used
Milgard used SunCoat MAX® Low-E glass to maximize efficiency and help maintain
steady, uniform indoor temperature and humidity for greater comfort.
Team California's entry placed third overall, with high marks in all
categories: architecture, market viability, engineering, lighting design,
communications, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment and
net metering. The home is also a "smart home," with an iPhone application
designed by SCU engineering students that allows home systems to be turned on
or off to save even more energy.
"The beauty of California comes through in this design and its use of
windows," said Santa Clara University student and Refract House project
manager Allison Kopf. "The bent design takes maximum advantage of south-facing
vistas, making it seem larger. The patio area is incorporated visually into
the house space."
The Solar Decathlon's purpose is to showcase the best in home design and
demonstrate that it is possible to live a comfortable, modern lifestyle, while
using less energy. The competition promotes an integrated, whole-building
design approach to building construction where the design considers the
interactions of all building components and systems to create a more
comfortable building, save energy, and reduce environmental impact.
Visit Team California's Refract House entry at www.refracthouse.com. For more
information on the Solar Decathlon competition, visit www.solardecathlon.org.
About Milgard Windows & Doors
Milgard Windows & Doors, a Masco company based in Tacoma, Wash., offers a full
line of aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass windows, and patio doors for builders,
dealers and homeowners. The company has been recognized for manufacturing the
nation's highest quality vinyl windows six times in a yearly survey sponsored
by Hanley-Wood Inc., publishers of Builder magazine. Milgard employs
approximately 3,500 people nationwide. For more information, visit
www.milgard.com or call 1.800.MILGARD.
About Masco Corporation
Headquartered in Taylor, Mich., Masco Corporation (NYSE: MAS) is one of the
world's largest manufacturers of brand-name consumer products for the home and
family. Masco is also a leading provider of services that include the
installation of insulation and other building products. For more information,
visit www.masco.com or call 313-274-7400.
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Maureen Faccia
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SOURCE Milgard Windows & Doors
Paul Vanderwal, +1-503-973-9229, paulv@thinkhmh.com, for Milgard Windows &
Doors
