The idea for the Solar Decathlon originates in the USA. Since 2002, the competition has been bringing together universities from around the world with the objective of designing and operating an energy-efficient, solar-powered house. The aim is to support solar technologies in buildings. Each year the competition is hosted alternately in Europe and America. In summer 2014, it was held in Paris Versailles for the first time. Twenty pavilions that had been designed by teams of students from 16 nations were made accessible to the public at the "Cité du Soleil". The pavilions were assessed in ten categories by a panel of judges. This year was the first time a Swiss university took part in the renowned competition. The Team Lucerne Suisse faced up to the challenge with the your+ project. The vision of the your+ project is "to strive to sharing resources and efficiently using spaces with our concept of sharing and exchanging. Our living concept involves shared rooms to create a platform for exchanging objects and making mobility more flexible."
"Smart" is the keyword
With the "smart sharing" concept, your+ aims at providing more options on a smaller area thanks to an intelligent layout and use of domestic and working environments. The your+ prototype presented at Solar Decathlon Europe 2014 in Paris featured three room types, each with various application options. The three room types are linked by space+, a popular and communicative development tool with a host of potential applications. The prototype was equipped with a sophisticated energy concept which was incidentally also based on the principle of sharing.
Innovative project, innovative partner
EVVA is a Silver Partner of Solar Decathlon. The project team opted for the innovative AirKey locking system. AirKey turns smartphones and identification media into keys. The system is just as dynamic as customers’ needs and consequently, it ideally suits the your+ project. "We opted for the AirKey locking system because of its flexible programming options for identification media/key cards", Marcel Wyss – architecture student and Student Team Leader explains. The particularly flexible AirKey solutions requires nothing more than a mobile phone or identification media with NFC functionality, the Internet and an AirKey cylinder. Keys are sent online. The AirKey app and the unique EVVA KeyCredits make this smart locking system a user-friendly, comprehensive solution. "Most of all the option to also directly grant authorisations to rooms using the AirKey app sparked a very positive response", Wyss continues.
The Solar Decathlon 2014 concluded in mid-July. your+ ranked in an impressive 5th position. The team received particular praise in the following categories: convenience, communication, easy use, architecture and innovative light design.
