Virginia Tech's Lumenhaus took the prize in the 2010 Solar Decathlon Design Competition. The design packs style and energy efficiency into an 800 square foot floor plan. An adaptable exterior wall adjusts automatically in response to weather conditions--this was the object of much attention at the competition.
Seventeen homes were entered into the 2010 European Solar Decathlon. Coming out at number one was a double-win for Virginia Tech's Lumenhaus, as the win broke a three-year streak held by German teams.
Adaptable Eco Exteriors
The Virginia Tech 'Lumenhaus' Features an Exterior that Adjusts to Weather
Trend Themes
1. Adaptable Exteriors - Incorporating responsive design elements in exteriors will create sustainable and energy-efficient architecture.
2. Weather-responsive Architecture - Using smart materials and technology to create adaptable architecture that can respond to various weather conditions in real-time will be useful in creating resilient and adaptable structures.
3. Sustainable Design - The use of sustainable building materials, energy-efficient systems, and smart technologies in architectural design will be crucial in creating sustainable infrastructure for the future.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can incorporate adaptable exterior design elements and smarter materials to create more resilient and energy-efficient structures.
2. Smart Technology - Innovating smarter materials that can respond to various weather conditions in real-time will be useful in creating more energy-efficient and sustainable structures.
3. Green Building Industry - The development of sustainable building materials and off-grid energy systems will be important in ensuring the longevity of our built environment and reducing our carbon footprint.