Germany’s Hemp-insulated ECOLAR House Scoops the Solar Decathlon Engineering Prize!

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/solar-decathlon-europe/">Solar Decathlon Europe</a> got all fired up when <a href="http://sde2012.htwg-konstanz.de">Germany's ECOLAR house</a> scooped first place in the <a href="http://www.sdeurope.org/?p=7594">Engineering competition</a>, placing it second overall in this year's contest! Judges recognized the team's thoughtful incorporation of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/germanys-modular-solar-decathlon-entry-ecolar-has-a-rooftop-power-plant/">several solar solutions</a>, ecological and financial sensitivity, as well as their crafty emphasis on modularity. A flexible design that expands or shrinks to accommodate different users, ECOLAR also uses three different kinds of vertical and rooftop solar panels to generate energy. The team rounded out the remarkable project by insulating the compact home with one of the world's most renewable and sustainable materials: hemp!

Team ECOLAR from Germany won first place in the Engineering competition at the 2012 Solar Decathlon in Europe

The judges were especially impressed with the home's modularity

This pool of water helps to reflect light onto the vertical solar panels

Several different kinds of solar panels were used and have several functions

Semi-transparent PV panels on top of the deck allow daylight to penetrate

Adjustable shades control solar gain and daylighting

The home was constructed using sustainable natural materials

A soft gentle light penetrates the interior

The design is exceptionally modular - allowing the home to expand/contract according to the homeowner's preference

An expansive living area sits beside the kitchen

The open plan home is ideal for a single person or young couple

View from inside the living room, looking out onto the covered deck

All of the technical equipment is stored behind the kitchen wall, which slides in and out

Hemp insulation mitigates thermal loss

This is the view from the bathroom facing the dining and kitchen area

A small built in cupboard creates a study area adjacent to the sleeping area

This is the epitome of efficient, minimalist design, no?

Daylight from decks on either side of the house penetrate all corners of the open plan house

ECOLAR generates about 14,371 kWh per year - in Germany

Water-saving initiatives ensure this resource is handled with care