Ever wonder how Native Americans, those peoples closest to Mother Earth, would build homes today? Strawbale houses are one such sustainable prototype home that are being built by and for the Navajo people’s on and off the reservation.

In discussing aboriginal architecture with an anthropologist at Drexel specializing in Native American culture, I discovered the most difficult concept for non-Natives to grasp is that Native’s buildings are constructed to return to the earth when their time is up. While this can lead to more maintenance over time, it ensures that they will leave it ensures that they will leave no footprint, no trace on the earth when they’re gone.. The cultural reverence for Mother Earth places a high priority on such sustainable buildings.

Come visit our exhibit at the 2010 World Green Energy Symposium to see our latest projects and progress!

There is an early registration discounted price before August 31, 2010.

Registration includes: Opening Ceremonies, Access to Exhibit Hall, All Classes, Master Class Lectures, Tour of a Wind Powered Facility, Saturday Program, Networking Reception

Register today at www.worldgreenenergysymposium.us. Read more »

Drexel Students,

We have an exciting opportunity for you! We’re taking applications for the “Vice President of Communications & Marketing” position on the Drexel Smart House Executive Board. As a fundamental member of DSH’s promotion, communications, and events teams, the VP of Communications & Marketing will gain valuable leadership, creative, and technical experience while bolstering his or her professional network and resume. This person will be immersed in issues involving sustainability, design, and technology, as well as finance, operations, and management. The VP will have the opportunity (and responsibility) to orchestrate activities related to publicity, branding, marketing, communications, and events coordination. This person will also work with other student organizations such as Drexel Marketing Association to provide opportunities to students to contribute to this interdisciplinary team.

As this is the first time we’ve publicly announced an open board position since we were founded, this is an extraordinary leadership opportunity that you do not want to let slip through your fingers, especially as many of you are looking to bolster your resumes and gain valuable experiences for co-op.

To learn more about this position, please review the job description and be sure to come to an upcoming DSH open meeting where you can talk with our current board members.

WHO CAN APPLY:
All current Drexel students, freshman to junior will be considered.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email your resume to apply@drexelsmarthouse.com. As applications are considered on a first-come basis, it’s to your advantage to get your application in as soon as possible! To those of you who feel that your resume does not reflect your true skills and interest in the position, you may write an optional cover letter for review with your resume. REMEMBER, a cover letter is NOT required. If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified within two weeks of your application submission and the process will proceed from there.

If you have any questions, you may contact me at (215) 501-7891 or cody@drexelsmarthouse.com.

Thanks and we hope to hear from you soon!

Cody A. Ray, President DSH

PS – In case you missed it, here’s the Vice President of Communications & Marketing’s job description.

Drexel Smart House just received our first national press! We’re featured in Creative Outlook, the magazine for art & creative students wishing to continue a career in the arts. This magazine is circulated nationally, including bulk distribution to select high schools.

While this is our first national press, we have previously been featured in state and local publications such as Keystone Builder, magazine of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, the Philadelphia Weekly, The Triangle, Drexel’s student newspaper, and the newsletter of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, as well as national academic publications such as the Proceedings of the 2009 American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference.

We’ve come a long way!

We are absolutely THRILLED about our new sign!

They even made it with earth friendly, recyclable materials.

Some of our students got together and built the Drexel Smart House logo out of LED Christmas lights and chicken wire. Its hanging on the roof of our property (along with facade lights) just in time for the Design Unveiling on Wednesday evening. Awesome!