Team BeauSoleil, a group of architecture and engineering majors from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, received first place in the recent 2009 U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon for their exemplary design and construction of an energy-efficient, solar powered home.
The Solar Decathlon featured homes from 20 universities worldwide and assessed each on its efficiency, practicality, and attractiveness. Scoring 97 out of a possible 100 points, these competitors stayed true to their Louisianan roots by building a hurricane-resistant model with a Cajun flair. Their attention to detail and incorporation of Cajun-style aspects made them the obvious choice for the “Market Viability” award. Their home was also awarded the People’s Choice Award.
As the only team from Louisiana to ever participate in the Decathlon, ULL team members were proud to showcase both their exceptional design and building efforts, and also to raise awareness about the importance of energy-efficient building practices for the state of Louisiana and worldwide. With so much of Louisiana in need of rebuilding and new energy policy, Team BeauSoleil’s creative and environmentally-conscious work shines a positive light on the future of Louisiana and its residents.
Congratulations Team BeauSoleil!
