ADAPTHAUS: Net-Zero for the Win

True to its name, the University of Illinois’ ADAPTHAUS represents a pinnacle of flexible innovation in modular, net-zero housing—an endeavor that aligns seamlessly with Resource Furniture's commitment to sustainability, transformative living, and space-saving furniture solutions.

A Home that Adapts with You

As we journey through life, our housing needs inevitably evolve. What constitutes "home" for a young professional sharing an apartment looks distinctly different from the requirements of a growing family or two retired empty nesters embracing a new chapter. It is this adaptability and flexibility—hallmarks of truly luxurious living—that we champion at Resource Furniture. This concept of adaptable living has been at the heart of our work, most notably showcased through our sponsorship of the Making Room exhibition at the National Building Museum.

Transitioning into a new home to suit evolving needs is not always a practical or sustainable solution. The ideal would be a home designed to adapt effortlessly to these changes over time. Enter ADAPTHAUS: a visionary project conceived by the Illinois Solar Decathlon team, crafted for the US Department of Energy’s 2020 Solar Decathlon competition. This biennial event challenges students to design and construct high-functioning, low-carbon homes that enhance quality of life, reduce housing costs, and address climate change through innovative solar technology. In this arena, ADAPTHAUS has emerged as a true exemplar, integrating design, architecture, and engineering innovation with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

Flexible Floorplans Made Possible with Transforming Furniture

The ADAPTHAUS project embodies the ethos of adaptable, sustainable living that we at Resource Furniture have long championed. To achieve net-zero energy consumption while maintaining cost-effectiveness, ADAPTHAUS employs advanced solar arrays and climate-conscious building techniques, such as special insulating window treatments. Its prefabricated, modular design serves as an elegant solution for young professionals and first-time homebuyers seeking adaptable, space-efficient residences. This aligns perfectly with our offerings of small space furniture, providing solutions that adapt as a family grows. Additional modules can be seamlessly integrated or removed, allowing homeowners to maintain a single property throughout life’s changes. For empty nesters, this means an opportunity to partition off certain modules, providing an option for rental income without compromising comfort or luxury.

To maximize every inch of living space, ADAPTHAUS is outfitted with transforming furnishings provided by Resource Furniture, the North American leader in multifunctional furniture and furniture for small spaces. Our offerings include wall beds, transforming tables, and thoughtfully designed seating, such as the wall bed with desk combinations, which provide ADAPTHAUS with hyper-flexible layouts, facilitating effortless transitions from day to night, work to relaxation. These pieces ensure that every square inch of space is utilized to its fullest potential, embodying the very essence of transformative living.

Module A

The brilliance of ADAPTHAUS lies in its thoughtful modular design. The first module functions as a self-contained studio apartment, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and flexible living/sleeping area. In this space, our Tango Sofa wall bed transforms from an inviting loveseat to a queen Murphy bed with a simple, fluid motion—made possible by a discreetly located handle beneath the wall bed’s display shelf. This particular Murphy bed with couch setup is ideal for maximizing space while maintaining luxury and comfort. Paired with the Tango Sofa, the Passo coffee-to-dining table offers a seamless transition from a stylish coffee table to an expansive dining table, capable of comfortably seating up to 10 guests with its hidden lever and self-storing leaves.

In the kitchen, the Barra Free mobile countertop offers unparalleled flexibility, sliding diagonally or side-to-side to provide additional counter space as needed. Complementing this, our Pyt Barstools and Zesty dining/task chairs deliver lightweight, stackable seating options that can be effortlessly stored or repositioned to suit any occasion, underscoring our focus on small space furniture that adapts to every need.

Modules B & C

The second module, oriented to the west of the main living space, accommodates two dedicated bedrooms and an additional bathroom—offering comfort and privacy. The third module, located on the home’s north-facing side, houses a versatile live/work/entertainment area complete with a movable, acoustically insulated wall. In this unit, Resource Furniture has curated an exquisite selection of transforming pieces, including the Dublin banquet, Genie height-adjustable coffee table, Penelope Sofa queen Murphy bed, Specchio transforming mirror-to-table, and the New Concept Table fold-down work surface. Each piece effortlessly adapts to the dynamic needs of the space, showcasing the refined adaptability that defines Resource Furniture and demonstrating our expertise in multifunctional furniture.

Designed for Wellness

In a world where our homes have become our sanctuaries, ADAPTHAUS presents a vision of affordable, flexible, and energy-efficient living that is both luxurious and sustainable. The home is ADA-compliant, ensuring residents of all ages can comfortably age in place. Its advanced CERV2 smart ventilation system maintains pristine indoor air quality, safeguarding the health and well-being of its occupants. This commitment to wellness, reflected in every aspect of ADAPTHAUS's design, aligns seamlessly with Resource Furniture’s dedication to creating spaces that support a life well-lived.

Our Longtime Commitment to the Solar Decathlon

Resource Furniture has long been at the forefront of innovative space solutions, championing flexible, efficient housing designed with a commitment to adaptation, sustainability, and luxury. Our partnership with the Illinois Solar Decathlon team on ADAPTHAUS exemplifies our shared vision for the future of design—a future where homes are not only beautiful but are also responsive to the evolving needs of their inhabitants. From our Murphy bed with desk solutions to our full range of space-saving furniture, we are honored to have sponsored this pioneering project and remain committed to supporting the Solar Decathlon as it continues to inspire the next generation of sustainable design innovators.

For more insights into our enduring relationship with the Solar Decathlon and our transformative role in redefining modern living, we invite you to explore further. Experience firsthand how Resource Furniture is setting the standard for luxury, sustainability, and transformative living by scheduling a consultation today.