Virginia Tech's LUMENHAUS a Strong Entry In Solar Decathlon

The Solar Decathlon is underway at the National Mall from now until October 20th and Virginia Tech, with help from Siemens corporation is looking to take home the top prize or at least one of the ten prizes for architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort, appliances, water heating, lighting, home entertainment, and net metering.

One of 20 entries from schools throughout the U.S. and Europe, LUMENHAUS combines open flowing spaces with sustainable responsive architecture that includes the use of passive solar energy systems as well as radiant heating and building materials that are from renewable and/or recyclable sources. LUMENHAUS is a zero energy home powered completely by the sun.

According to Jack Davis, Dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, "LUMENHAUS is a living laboratory. For students, this is an opportunity for the hands-on application of what they learn in the classroom and carry it fourth into their careers. Virginia Tech's entry is funded entirely from external contributors, including the DOE and companies like Siemens, and we wouldn't be here without their help and support."

For their part Siemens provided mentoring by engineer John Hamilton to help guide architect/engineering and computer technology students during both the design and construction phases of the project.

This will mark the third time that Virginia Tech has entered the Solar Decathlon and this may be their strongest entry yet. Regardless of their finish they have provided a fantastic example of the possibilities that exist for zero energy homes in the future.