Super-Efficient MED in Italy House Takes the Lead at the 2012 Solar Decathlon Europe

At press time, Rome's super efficient <a href="http://www.medinitaly.eu/en/homepage">MED in Italy house</a> was in first place at the <a href="http://monitoring.sdeurope.org/?lang=es&amp;lang=en">2012 Solar Decathlon Europe competition</a>, leading the Para Eco-House by a couple of points. Of course, this can change on a near hourly basis, but the Italian group's efforts to ensure the best <a href="http://inhabitat.com/team-romas-solar-powered-med-in-italy-prefab-has-amazing-thermal-properties/">energy and material performance</a> are already beginning to pay off. From the outside, a protective shield makes the home look rather unremarkable, but step past it into a leafy central courtyard and you'll feel like you've entered a whole new world.

Rome's MED in Italy is currently in the lead at the 2012 Solar Decathlon competition in Europe.

[gallery_extend]

But the shell contributes to the home's extraordinary energy efficiency

This home produces almost double as much energy as it needs

An interior courtyard acts as a buffer zone and caters to the typical Mediterranean family that loves outdoor leisure time

This cute sunflower light is powered by a mini solar panel

Rainwater is harvested under the deck to irrigate all of the plants

This courtyard also contributes to a pleasant microclimate

Inside the home is full of gentle daylighting

All energy efficient appliances bolster the home's performance

The decor creates a bohemian ambience

Minimally furnished, the home nonetheless has everything a small family/single couple might need

Protective walls are filled with local materials that have high thermal mass

A matter of taste, the fish on the wall actually elongates the space mitigating any potential claustrophobia

This prefabricated home is very easy to assemble and disassemble. MED in Italy, as a result, was among the teams that received 5 bonus points for completing their project on time.

The plumbing is designed to conserve precious water resources

The modern Mediterranean bedroom includes a small study and spills out onto the central courtyard

The neutral materials contribute to a feeling of wellness

All of the living spaces are arranged linearly

Excess solar energy is stored in tubes inside that warm the house overnight