Photos: Competition shines at Solar Decathalon

Like many houses in the competition, the University of Colorado at Boulder built their houses around a 'core' that houses all the building systems -- lighting, heating and plumbing.

Additional rooms can be added to that core, giving builders and architects flexibility in where they can use the design.

Student team leader Corbin said he expects that the house could be used in high-end residences in the country, in urban environments and even for temporary housing.

That's because the core of the house is a metal shipping container -- the part of the building painted red here. Built around that are additional rooms and outdoor space such as decking and the garden.

Credit: Martin LaMonica/News.com

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