Just about every collegiate team at the Solar Decathlon architecture competition took inspiration from their own region to design their prefabricated solar-powered homes. This is particularly true of the team from West Virginia University, which infused their PEAK House with a rustic sensibility reminiscent of Appalachian mountain communities. They also relied on local knowledge to keep their house nice and cool without relying too much on mechanical assistance. Hit the jump to learn how PEAK keeps its energy consumption to a minimum.

Read more: Passive PEAK House Preserves Energy the Appalachian Way at the Solar Decathlon 2013 | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building