The Solar Decathlon is an international and multidisciplinary competition, that will be held in France in the Summer of 2014. TU Delft has been selected as one of the 20 teams to take part in the competition. The aim of the competition is to facilitate widespread adoption of homes that demonstrate solar and energy efficiency technologies in marketable residential applications, through technology d
evelopment and key partnerships. If we consider that a building has a long life cycle, then its effect on the environment will be similarly long and lasting. For the TU Delft Solar Decathlon Team, the use of cost-effective and ‘ready-to-use’ (Prêt-à-Porter) technologies and behavioral strategies that increase energy efficiency, is a fundamental tool in achieving a sustainable energy future. We propose to convert this into a ready-to-live (Prêt-à-Loger) solar home, making these technologies widely used and available. The pressing fact that our resources are ever decreasing is of immense public interest and bears an enormous societal relevance. The key will be to provide everybody with access to affordable renewable energy sources. Research into this field is critical especially within educational institutions. The goals of the Decathlon to raise awareness specifically within universities, ensures a new generation of scientists and professionals with increased sensitivity on environmental matters in respect to their professions. Furthermore, the disclosure of such research to the general public will demonstrate the full potential of social, environmental and sustainable thinking applied in design. In order to achieve ecological, low-energy buildings, the holistic integration of climate responsive concepts in the architectural design is critical. One of the main objectives of the TU Delft Solar Decathlon Team is to create a strong connection between science, design and practice for the development of a comfortable and healthy climate in and around buildings. TU Delft’s proposal addresses these environmental and social challenges directly. Objectives are not only to utilize innovative technologies – both in building and energy matters – or the beauty, aesthetics and functionality of the design, but are also in the overall affordability of the final product. Marketability and affordability are key for the future solar house’s acceptance and application at the district, city and regional scale.
