After spending ten days challenging university teams from the US, Great Britain, Spain, China, Germany, France and Finland, Virginia Tech achieved solar success, winning the Solar Decathlon Europe.
Competitors were challenged to make the best house running completely on solar energy. The event was a huge success with the homes producing three times the amount of energy they used, but the panel of experts thought Virginia Tech’s lumenhaus was the best.
The energy-efficient house was designed with looks as well as sustainability in mind. The sleek and modern design boasts an open design, different than many energy-conscious spaces. Glass walls bring in natural light while the Eclipse System creates flowing patterns with that light and hosts LED lights for night.
Lumenhaus uses absolutely no energy source other than the sun’s rays, which collects through solar panels on the roof. All building materials are from renewable and recyclable resources, and through advanced technology and architecture, the house is self-sufficient and weather-responsive.
Space and comfort were also top priorities to the design team. A changing wall system allows for expansion within the home. The kitchen counter can be transformed into a bar and the dining room table can be easily slid outside for dining al fresco. Perhaps the most unique lifestyle element is the ability to connect additional housing units, either side by side or on top of each other utilizing plug-in staircases and entryways.
The innovation and excellent execution of the Virginia Tech team is something to appreciate. Every team in the decathlon is to be commended for their accomplishments, but a win for the US at a competition featuring the world’s best and brightest is quite a ray of light.
Photo 1 courtesy of Virgina Tech, photo 2 by afagan via Flickr.
