US Solar Decathlon Design Competition
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Decathlon Challenges brings dozens of student teams from universities around the world to compete in a industry-sponsored design and build based competitions. The aim of the competition is to design innovative and high-quality net-zero energy buildings which utilise sustainable construction materials and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental footprint, all while remaining competitive in current markets.
We address 10 different criteria of the design
Architecture
Practical and aesthetic qualities of the design rewarding creative and innovative solutions
Grid-Interactivity
Ability to adapt to dynamic grid edge and minimize operational carbon.
Engineering
How well the design integrates mechanical and electrical systems into the building
Life-cycle
Ability to minimize operational carbon for entire building life cycle, via materials, construction and more
Community
How building supports and aligns with priorities of local community and occupants.
Envelope
The envelope design strategies, like air tightness, thermal performance and durability.
Presentation
How well the final report and presentation communicates the final design
Health
Buildings capability to safeguard occupant health and quality of life, through systems and design.
Efficiency
The whole building operational efficiency from modelling of active and passive systems.
Market
The design’s financial feasibility and depth of research into target market
DESIGN CHALLENGE 2025 TIMELINE
SOLAR DECATHLON CHALLENGE WEEKEND
The Design Challenge Weekend is hosted at NREL laboratory in Golden, Colorado in mid- April each year. Over the weekend, Design Challenge teams will present their final projects to be judged and Build Challenge teams will showcase the projects’ progress.
MSB 2023/24 Design Challenge Team
Location of Solar Decathlon
2023/24 DCH Flame Robin Farm - Single Family Home Finalist