National Chiao Tung University’s innovative Orchid House project won first prize at the prestigious Solar Decathlon Europe July 5 in France.
Enabling a house to function like a plant, the project achieved a perfect score of 120 and beat out 19 contestants from around the world to claim top spot in the urban design, transportation and affordability category. It also came in fifth in the architecture category.
Project leader Professor C. David Tseng of NCTU said the award is landmark achievement for Taiwan. “This marks the first prize dedicated to urban sustainability in this competition, and the first time an Asian team has come out on top in any category.”
Employing a form of manmade photosynthesis, the concept features solar panels capturing energy from the sun and providing electricity for the house. In addition, it harvests, circulates, recycles and reuses its own water.
The project—designed mainly for use on rooftops—tackles the challenges of high temperatures and humidity through integrated design solving architectural, energy and urban issues at once. By creating livable rooftops, it aims to offer inexpensive housing options for the youth, as well as free up more civic space.
According to Tseng, the project was named Orchid House after the majestic flowers that Taiwan exports around the world.
“Orchids grow symbiotically on tall trees, nourished by a perfect balance weather of indirect sunlight and supply of rainwater,” he said. “They also beautify the surrounds and reduce temperatures.”
With the event scheduled to wrap up July 14, Tseng expects the project to notch up further honors in different categories.
Solar Decathlon was founded in 2002 by the US Department of Energy to recognize design excellence displayed by collegiate teams in building solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive.
