Houses of the Future

Students from around the country gathered on the National Mall last week for the Solar Decathlon, a competition among twenty teams from colleges and universities throughout the country. According to organizers, students were required to design and build an energy-efficient home that is also attractive and marketable. Technishe Universitat Darstadt won first place for a home that the Architecture Jury said, “pushed the envelope on all levels.” According to reports, long lines formed outside the German team's house all week. The University of Maryland took second place, while Santa Clara University came in third. The George Washington University was not entered in the event.

Participants earned points in various categories that are important for the sustainability of Solar Housing Market including: architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort zone, appliances, hot water, lighting, energy balance, and getting around. The event saw heavy advertising throughout the city, especially in popular metro stops, as many expect solar power to be among the sustainable energy sources of the future.

Among the event's sponsors include The National Association of Home Builders,. the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, The American Institute of Architects, BP, and Sprint.

-Jesse Regis