MNN - Mother Nature Network

Last Friday, I took a video-assisted gander at the super-efficient homes designed by 10 of the 20 collegiate teams that will soon be duking it out during the 2012 Solar Decathlon Europe in Madrid. With the two-week event kicking off in just a couple of days and opening to the general public the following day (Fri. the 14th), here’s a peek at the remaining entrants.

 

Again, it’s a pretty diverse group with a handful of homegrown and European teams along with teams traveling to Madrid’s Villa Solar from countries further afield including China, Japan, Brazil, and Egypt (unlike the the 2010 edition of 2010 SD Europe when Virginia Tech returned home with top honors and the University of Florida placed eighth, there’s no Americans this year, folks). It’s also worth noting that two teams, one from Norway and one from the Netherlands, initially involved in the competition have withdrawn and been replaced by other teams. Thank god for highly qualified ringers, right?

 

And in addition to the competition itself which involves 10 juried and measured contests spread out over the course of the event, Villa Solar will be home to a variety of workshops, exhibits, talks for professionals and students, and educational activities for the kiddos. There will even be a micro-short film competition. You can view a complete schedule of events and special programs here. And, of course, there’s the main draw: peeks inside each of the 20 full-scale homes (visitors can either queue up for these or book comprehensive guided tours in advance). 

 

Here's a look at the remaining 10 videos submitted by each of the teams. I'll be back at the end of the month at the conclusion of the competition to announce the winner and review some highlights. Good luck to all! Que el mejor equipo gane!

 

Egypt: American University in Cairo — Arkan