A student-led design-build project, combining hands-on architectural education with sustainability, has been completed by the University of Kansas School of Architecture. The project marks the 18th consecutive LEED Platinum-certified home completed through the university’s Studio 804 program and is the second to be supported by product donations from S-5!
Credit: Gaffer Photography
Studio 804 is a unique, hands-on design-build program within the University of Kansas’ Master of Architecture curriculum. Founded by Dan Rockhill, it provides graduate students in their final year with an immersive experience, challenging them to design, source materials for and construct a fully realized building within just nine months — providing a practical foundation for sustainable architectural practice.
The 1040 New York Street House features a 2,000-sq-ft primary residence alongside a 1,000-sq-ft accessory dwelling unit, housing a garage and additional living space. The exterior is clad in white composite metal and complemented by a 22-gauge matte black standing seam metal roof. The home is situated on a previously vacant infill lot in East Lawrence, a historic neighborhood near the Kansas “KAW” River and downtown Lawrence.
To help achieve LEED Platinum certification, the project incorporated a solar PV system. S-5! donated its PVKIT® DirectAttach solar mounting system, making it a penetration-free installation of an 8.8-kW solar array using Navitas 550 W Bifacial 144 Half Cut Mono modules. The solar array is expected to offset most, if not all, of the home’s energy consumption.
In addition, S-5! contributed its ColorGard snow retention system, engineered to match the roof’s aesthetics and provide snow management through the harsh winter months, protecting both the roof and occupants.
“We’re honored to support a program like Studio 804 that combines high-level design, hands-on learning, and real-world sustainability,” said Rob Haddock, S-5! CEO and founder. “These students are learning to build smarter and better — and that starts with quality materials and streamlined installation practices.”
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