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Italy and France have joined forces to create the “Astonyshine” 100 percent solar home concept as part of the 2012 Solar Decathlon Europe. The international competition is open to universities from around the globe and promotes research into the development of efficient housing. Astonyshine is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Mediterranean villa, and is the result of the combined efforts from Polytechnic of Bari (Italy), University of Ferrara (Italy), Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Architecture Paris-Malaquais (France) and Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (France).
The modern Astonyshine design is focused around a freestone structure, which is designed with sustainability and energy efficiency as prime considerations. The prototype will feature a concentrated solar power system that combines photovoltaic and thermal technologies. The system is designed to meet all of the house’s energy needs, while offering higher efficiency and a lower price solution compared to the use of standard photovoltaic flat panels.
A prototype of the Astonyshine home will be built during the final phase of the Solar Decathlon in Madrid later this year, which will then be open to the public. The competition will see the construction of 20 prototypes from 15 different countries, namely Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, The United Kingdom, Romania, China, Japan, Brazil and Egypt.
More information on Astonyshine is available in the video below.
