Solar Decathlon 2011

Winning project by University of Maryland (photo credits: Jim Tetro/US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon) 

People's Choice Award by Appalachian State University (photo credits: Jim Tetro/US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)

Hanwha Solar CHIP by SCIA-Arc (photo credits: Jim Tetro/US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)

Last week the Solar Decathlon 2011 took place in Washington D.C. The winner was the University of Maryland and the People's Choice Award went to the Appalachian State University.
My favourite is the puffy house or Hanwha Solar CHIP by SCIA/Arc. An interview with the team and all details on this project can be found on World-Architects.
For the first time, a Belgian team participated, with the E-cube and they got the 16th place out of 19, but they were winner for the affordability criterion.
More information on the teams and a lot of photos of the projects can be found on the website of Solar Decathlon.

Solar Decathlon 2011: The E-cube

Ghent University built the E-cube, a do-it-yoursef building kit for a solar powered zero energy house. It is their contribution to the Solar Decathlon 2011 Event that will take place on September 25 in Washington DC.

Solar Decathlon

I hope to participate once with our students to the Solar Decathlon.

The Solar Decathlon challenges university teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive.

Check out some photo's of earlier designs.
Next Solar Decathlon US in 2011 in Washington with Ghent University as the only European team selected for this competition.
Next Solar Decathlon Europe in 2012 in Madrid