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TU Eindhoven student team working on the ‘house of the future’ during an international competition in Wuppertal. At a former logistics site in Wuppertal, 16 teams from across the globe are currently working on building houses. The aim is to change the way we look at how we build and live in the future. In short, that’s the goal of the Solar Decathlon Europe, which has been taking place in the German city of Wuppertal since May. Boels Rental is supporting the team from TU Eindhoven in building their house of the future called ‘Ripple’.
CO2 neutral housing unit
Under the name of VIRTUe – the students are building a 70m2 CO2-neutral housing unit that is brimming with innovation. These innovations not only relate to the construction of the unit but also how it will later be used. “We have brought several different innovations together and connected them in the unit,” according to the team’s PR Manager Marianna Angelini. “The biggest challenge is transforming the design into the actual construction of the house.”
Ripple
One important goal of the project is to promote sustainable building. The name of the residential unit, ‘Ripple’ also refers to this concept. “We want to create an imaginary drop that causes a ripple in the water and continues to make an impact. An impact on the way we build and live. That is what we are all striving towards,” Marianna explains.
A conscious choice for zero emission
There is an enormous amount of activity on the site. Cranes are moving one heavy load after the other; forklifts are coming and going. One point that certainly stands out is the use of diesel-powered machines and equipment. The team from Eindhoven is the exception with its 2000 watt battery pack, battery generators and LED lighting towers from Boels. “We are not only looking for sustainability in the construction, but also at the construction site. It’s great to see that Boels is investing in this area and working towards a sustainable future. By using the emission-free equipment from Boels, we are able to stand out from the rest, and are proud of that.”
“By using the emission-free equipment from Boels, we are able to stand out from the rest, and are proud of that” – Marianna Angelini
Ripple is scheduled for completion on 3 June. The organisation has been observing the construction process every step of the way. Judging will take place in 10 sub-areas, including architecture, construction, innovation and communication. The final results will be announced on 24 June. For more information about the Solar Decathlon Challenge and the TU Eindhoven team see this link: https://www.teamvirtue.nl
