Vienna University of Technology and their LISI Home wooed judges and visitors alike to grab the top prize at U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013. The prestigious event saw a photo-finish of sorts with Team Austria beating University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) by mere 4.35 points. Considering that the teams are judged out of a total 1000 points spread across various facets of sustainable design like energy production, efficiency, ergonomics and real world appeal, the margin for error is indeed pretty small. Rounding off the podium finishers is the Czech Technical University that finished an agonizing 2.43 points behind UNLV!
Those who did follow our preview of the best green homes at Solar Decathlon 2013 will remember that we did have all the three teams pegged as frontrunners to watch out for at the event. Considering the margin of the victories, it goes unsaid that the real winner at the event was well and truly clean-energy housing that also carries along with it a stylish modern approach and contemporary elegance. LISI from Team Austria showcased this with its ultra-modern design, smart use of solar energy, a modern kitchen, lovely patio and an attractive outdoor vertical garden.
If there is one truly universal design at the Solar Decathlon, then LISI would probably be it. It reminds us of efficient Scandinavian design; elegance and ergonomics wrapped together with style. A truly international design, LISI is like that perfect blank canvas that is ready to be filled with your own distinct decor!
Team Austria’s lovely use of wood as a sustainable building material along with the innovative green additions definitely turned the tide in its favor over other favorites like Stanford University and CTU that were in the lead early on. University of North Carolina backed the People’s Choice Award, as the event showcased how planet-friendly design is not only energy-efficient, but also attractive and affordable.
And as the sun sets on this year’s Solar Decathlon, we are convinced that a new dawn awaits gorgeous eco-friendly homes in the coming decade!