The Solar Decathlon Europe (SDE) in 2023 will take place in the Romanian capital Bucharest. The Energy Endeavour Foundation together with the Asociatia Solar Decatlon Bucuresti (EFdeN) are organising the student architecture competition around solutions for modern and future-oriented construction in September 2023. Students of architecture, building engineering and building planning are called to present their solutions on how buildings can be constructed and operated sustainably in the future.
Starting signal for applications
With the announcement of the location, the starting signal has also been given for the interested student groups to develop their buildings. They have about a year time to do so and then have to submit their concept to the organisers of SDE23. A jury will select the most promising proposals. These will then build their buildings as part of the Solar Village in Bucharest in the year of the event.
Buildings must prove themselves
Afterwards, the building concepts have to prove themselves in ten different disciplines. This is not only – but also – about the aspects of design, but above all about how sustainably the houses are constructed and operated. One part will therefore deal with the energy balance during use, so that the buildings cannot do without their own energy generator. This is usually photovoltaics – in some cases also in combination with solar thermal energy. The students have to develop innovative heating, air-conditioning and energy concepts for their buildings that allow them to be as self-sufficient as possible. Of course, this requires optimal integration of the solar energy generators into the building envelope.
The student teams can find further information on the application on the SDE23 website. (mfo)
The 2021 Solar Decathlon had to be postponed until June 2022 because of Covid, but for a look at what can be expected, here is a look back at the 2019 Solar Decathlon Europe in Lille.
