Canada's entry into the 2011 Solar Decathlon, which is a competition to design solar-powered and net zero housing. The team strove to meet the needs of First Nations living on reserves by addressing lifestyle, culture, and harmony with the land, as well as legal, environmental, health, and economic concerns. The name, structure, layout and materials used were all chosen in consultation with First Nations. The "turtles" are also designed to be low-maintenance and long-lasting, but on temporary footings so that they don't become the default property' of the government. While some of the articles I've found lack a certain insight and sensitivity, I believe the intention of the team was good. While maintenance and operating costs are very low, there is no mention that I can find about the initial cost to built the home. Solar panels aren't cheap… The team has a layout of the house with info points throughout explaining choices. There is also a rather random section on FNMI actors, musicians, and writers which comes across a little weird, but I'm impressed by the amount of thought that seems to have gone into the project.http://www.solardecathlon.gov/blog/archives/1074
http://inhabitat.com/team-canadas-trtl-solar-decathlon-house-is-a-modern-take-on-a-native-american-home/
http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/utoday/september20-2011/TRTL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGtfr3Kancs&feature=related (Youtube videos of the process, some of which cover ceremonial rites)
I can see this design and process being useful as a topic and point of study in many different subject areas - science, art, social studies, native studies, etc - but can also see it being linked to English and religious studies when connected to story-telling and creation stories.
