Solar Decathlon: Variety is the Spice of Sustainable Life

One interesting aspect of the Solar Decathlon was the diversity of solutions given the same design parameters - a testament to the infinite opportunities on the horizon for the future of sustainable living.

Here, a few of the 20 Solar Decathlon entrants. In order: Team Spain, Rice University, Penn State, University of Kentucky, and Team California (Santa Clara University, California College of the Arts).

Solar Decathlon: The Final Tally

Well, the judging is over and the results are in. Team Germany took first place. Illinois came in second, and Team California placed third.

Unfortunately, TEAM BeauSoleil fell a bit short in their effort to take home the trophy.

Unpacking the numbers in the final scoring, low scores in two of the ten categories - Net Metering and Hot Water - turned out to be fatal for ULL in the overall standings.

Otherwise, TEAM BeauSoleil posted very respectable numbers across the board including winning the Market Viability category.

Congratulations TEAM BeauSoleil for a monumental effort creating an affordable, livable, off-the-grid home. Your work has helped to created a powerful forward momentum for the future of sustainable housing.

Click on the official Solar Decathlon site for comprehensive statistics and competition photos.

BeauSoleil onTop in Market Viability

Solar Decathlon: And the Winner is....

Following up on their win in the last Solar Decathlon two years ago, TEAM Germany takes first place in the overall competition.

With a facade clad in photovoltaic panels plus rooftop solar panels, this prototype boasts an astounding 18Kw of energy generation at peak capacity.

I ran into their lead consulting carpenter Achmed who gave me a run-down on the winning technology. Achmed volunteered that his wardrobe was typical of German carpenters, albeit with a decidedly more formal hat.

Rainy Rainy Day

It was a very drizzly day out on the National Mall., but the competition continued. Solar Decathlon

Still, Gretchen Lacombe Vanicor, TEAM BeauSoleil project manager, keeps her enthusiasm as she presents unique features to soaked visitors.

Tomorrow, the awards ceremony and a concert on the BeauSoleil deck by none other than Beausoleil - the band, not the house.

BeauSoleil wins Market Viability Award

photos: TEAM BeauSoleil

BeauSoleil wins Market Viability Award - a testament to TEAM BeauSoleil's focus on creating an all-solar home that is a realistic, affordable option for everyday living.

Solar Decathlon: BeauSoleil Opens to the Public

photos: TEAM BeauSoleil

I'm leaving for DC in about an hour to join TEAM BeauSoleil and tour all 20 homes. Tomorrow through this weekend, look for tons of Johnny-on-the-Spot photos.

Solar Decathlon - View All 20 Entries

This week, it's all Solar Decathlon.

Click on this link to view all 20 all-solar homes in the competition, and consider voting for BeauSoleil Home. I did!

BeauSoleil: Room With a View

Photo: TEAM BeauSoleil

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.



The photo - a shot from inside the BeauSoleil all-solar home.

When I lived in Washington, I had a running ritual. My house was in Capitol Hill, a half mile from the Capitol. I ran down Capitol Hill, then along the mall up to and around the Washington Monument (I would touch it every time), back down the mall, up Capitol Hill - and believe me, it is a hill! - then back home.

Five miles exactly.

For several years, I ran the mall 4-6 times a week. That was a few years and a few pounds ago.

Still, this photo brings back memories.

BeauSoleil: All-solar Home Erected on the Mall in DC

If you're in the neighborhood, drop by and take a tour of ULL's entry in the Solar Decathlon on the Mall in Washington.

Your best bet for transportation is the DC Metro. (Good luck parking, if you're auto-determined.) Get off at the Smithsonian exit, and you'll be right in the thick of things.

Next week, I'll be in DC posting on the Solar Decathlon every day, so stay tuned!

BeauSoleil: Have House, Will Travel

BeauSoleil: Dress Rehearsal

photos: Philip Gould

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.



A couple of images by photographer Philip Gould depict the BeauSoleil home set up in Lafayette and "ready to go."

Th all-solar home is now en route to DC. I'll be stepping up the coverage over the next few weeks as TEAM BeauSoleil puts down roots on the National Mall.

Popping the Cork on BeauSoleil

Photo: the Daily Advertiser

TEAM BeauSoleil celebrated the competition their Solar Decathlon entry Thursday evening with an exhuberent "Bon Voyage" party.

The all-solar home, designed and constructed by ULL students, will now be on its way to Washington, DC where it will be installed on the National Mall along with 19 other university teams for public display and judging.

Set-up begins October 1st, homes are open to the public starting October 9th, and the event culminates with the awards ceremony on October 16th.

Lafayette's Daily Advertiser posted this photo essay and write-up.

BeauSoleil: Bon Voyage

BeauSoleil: Put a Lid On It !

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.

Report from the field:

Why do we as designers like the challenge of a competition like the Solar Decathlon? Why do we work and think so hard about very specific problems? Is it because the solutions we develop give us gratification/ satisfaction? Are we not challenged enough in a typical design project whether hypothetical or real? Is it the desire to triumph over others working on similar design problems/solutions?

It seems to me that it is the fear of the unknown, the possibility of failure and the risk in general, that is the allure also. I've often compared the struggle of the Decathlon with the Moon Launch and the assault on Normandy in WWII. Obviously, there is really no comparison with the scale of the projects or the sacrifices made - but for those who have competed in the Decathlon there is some truth the rings true.

So why do we drive ourselves to such extreme for 10 days on the mall in DC? It is not really about those ten days... but it is... but is also really about a personal challenge for each of the TEAM members. Can I handle it? The Decathlon is really a vehicle for testing ourselves and our ideas while producing something of lasting significance.

W. Geoff Gjertson, AIA
Assoc. Professor of Architecture
UL Lafayette
TEAM BeauSoleil Faculty Advisor

BeauSoleil: Completion in Site

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.



Geoff Gjertsen, architect and faculty adviser for TEAM BeauSoleil, reports that progress is moving along nicely and on schedule for an August 24th roll-out.

There's an old saying in architecture: The last 10% takes 90% of the effort - an exaggeration under most circumstances, but no doubt there will be a flurry of activity over the next three weeks.

This is crunch time.

BeauSoleil: Hot, Hot, Hot !!!

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.





A report from the field...

We’ve kicked it into high-gear and have been working about nine hours a day (with a lunch break of course) to bring you guys the solar home of the future! The exterior is nearly finished-out and we’ve gotten the sheetrock ready for being finished and painted!

The transitional porch is nearly done as well! The aluminum frame is completed and the plumbers finished installing the fin-based, water heating system on Friday.

Monday the polycarbonate roof goes on and the roof is completed!!! All that’s left is the Nanawall system and finishing-up the cypress and bug screen!

Sorry for having so many exclamation points in this update. Things are just really exciting right now. It’s definitely worth a visit, preferably on Tuesdays!
Have a BeauSoleil Day!

Chris Dufreche, TEAM BeauSoleil


Some BeauSoleil Facts and Figures...

* although the home is only 800 sf, the surrounding porch is another 1700 sf
* the IPE wood (FSC Certified-Sustainably grown) deck on the porch should last 100 years
* the millwork shop which milled our siding for the rainscreen is going to name our unique siding profie "BeauSoleil"
* the UL Ragin Cajun Football team lent us their sideline PortaCoolers to us to help keep the students cool in our warehouse during construction. Thanks Caoch Bustle!
* The interior doors for the BeauSoleil Home will be made from reclaimed cypress and polycarbonate vision lites
* we are using paperless sheetroack in the bathroom of the BeauSoleil Home to reduce the possibility of mold growth
* the aluminum solar fins manufactured by Begneaud for us will be coated with a special silicon paint to increase the amount of heat they will collect

BeauSoleil Heats Up

photos by Philip Gould

Things are heating up at the BeauSoleil World Headquarters in Lafayette. In the midst of a heat wave in muggy southern Louisiana, TEAM BeauSoleil is charging ahead WITHOUT air conditioning. Talk about sweat equity...

Time Lapse BeauSoleil

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.

Click on this link for a time-lapse film of the past 3 months or so of construction at the BeauSoleil World Headquarters. QuickTime player required.

It's taking shape!

BeauSoliel: Home Stretch

Solar Decathlon Update: Every two years 20 university teams are chosen, based on proposals, to design an all-solar home and assemble it on the National Mall in Washington DC for public viewing and judging. Check back each Wednesday as the NAV Blog reports on the process of the design and construction of BeauSoleil, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's entry. For more info about the project, visit their website. And check out a short film about the project.

I recently made a visit to the BeauSoleil World Headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana where Professor Geoff Gjertson and graduate student Catherine Guidry gave me a tour of the construction progress.

With the Solar Decathlon coming up in October, TEAM BeauSoleil is in full construction mode. The basic frame with wall and roof panels are in place as are the windows. Soon, interior and exterior finishes, will be applied.

As with any piece of experimental architecture, magical little details are beginning to appear. Contrary to popoular opinion, a "good set of drawings" is not all it takes to complete the building. Frank Lloyd Wright famously refused to finish the interior drawings until the shell construction was completed and he could stand in the building and make decisions about the final details. Sometimes he went so far as to move a drafting board into the space and finish drawings then and there.

Reports from the field:

Well it has been an exciting week for the Beausoleil Team. We have just finished up a very tough semester and we are gearing up for the hot and very humid Louisiana summer. Summertime also means fulltime work on our project, which has been through some amazing changes. We have just made some major updates to our cd’s. By correcting and refining our layout our cd’s are looking pretty good. So far things are looking very good for finishing on time. Starting next week we will continue to tweak some minor issues and hopefully finish them up in a timely manner, since we will be at full strength as we welcome back the rest of our team.

Greg Jefferson - TEAM BeauSoleil

This week the design and construction crew down at the BeauSoleil Worldwide Headquarters is raising the roof…literally! We’ve been making great progress on the various roof systems the house incorporates. The galvalume metal roofing is installed and the aluminum roof frame that houses the water heating system is also being made! The fancy, shifting-ridge roof we designed is kind-of a pain in the neck sometimes, but boy does it look good! We’ll continue with posts to keep you guys up-to-date on all the shenanigans going on at the BeauSoleil Worldwide Headquarters. Have a BeauSoleil Day!

Chris Dufreche -TEAM BeauSoleil