Solar-powered STILE house is constructed from recycled steel shipping containers

West Virginia University and University of Roma Tor Vergata partnered to designed and build STILE—Sustainable Technologies Integrated in a Learning Experience—for this year’s entry to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. The house combines Appalachian and Roman design elements into an unusual volume that boasts a rigid rectangular frame and a curved arch. The rectangular prefab frame, which houses the living quarters, is made from deconstructed steel shipping containers located...