Solar Decathlon’s Team BeauSoleil Home Marries Culture with the Environment

Team BeauSoleil from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will be entering their solar home in the  Solar Decathlon from October 9-13 and  October 15-18 in Washington DC.  20 Universities will be participating. (See here to watch videos of all the teams. ) This is the first time any team from the University has entered the contest.  What makes the Ragin’ Cajuns’ home so unique is that the students took their first hand experiences of the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to help design their  coastal home.

Why the name? It means “Beautiful Sun in French” or “Sunshine” in Cajun French. Watch the video above to see how they married their culture and the environment into this modest 800 highly functional space.

It features:

Generates more energy than it consumes.  Totally solar powered.

Withstands hurricane-force winds

State-of-the-art kitchen for entertaining and cooking.   According to the University, “good conversation and great food are important elements of Louisiana.”

Attractive and affordable housing, ranging from $120,000 to $150,000

Self-sufficient housing that is especially ideal for coastal regions

Wide exterior porches for social interaction and entertaining

For updates on how this team does during the Decathlon, follow them on their Facebook page.

Similar Posts:

• Green Design + Efficiency Married in Solar Decathlon Austria Home
• Team NJ ENJOY Solar Decathlon House: Thermal, Longevity & Low Maintenance
• Solar Decathlon 2011. Everything Green Under the Sun
• Russian Tarragon. Should it Have a Place in Your Garden?
• Green Video Competition Entertains & Raises Enviro Awareness