Skip to main content
Title
Build Challenge
Subtitle
2011
Location
Washington, D.C.
Date Start
September 23
Date End
 - October 2, 2011

Team Belgium: Ghent University

Solar Decathlon 2011

Ghent University’s E-Cube was rebuilt at the West Flemish Greenbridge Science Park, located in the outer port of Oostende, Belgium. The house serves as a lab to support research into new energy-efficient building and installation concepts. Students and researchers are able to use the E-Cube to test how energy systems like heat pumps and solar panels interact with a smart grid.

For the Solar Decathlon 2011, Team Belgium aimed for simplicity with E-Cube. Its market appeal was its simple construction methods and its affordability. The house was designed as a building kit for a self-builder who lacks the time and expertise to build a house from scratch. This strategy paid off, and E-Cube tied for first place in the Affordability Contest.

Photo of the E-Cube. Enlarge image

Ghent University's E-Cube was designed for simplicity and Belgian conditions. Its exterior structure and façade are visible to the interior living spaces. (Credit: Jim Tetro/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)

Who: Ghent University
What: E-Cube
Where:
Greenbridge Science Park
Oostende, Belgium
Map This House

Public tours: Not available