Innovate, build and live sustainable. An energy-positive experimental timber building for the Solar Decathlon Middle East in Dubai

Among the interdisciplinary initiatives that promote energy efficiency of the built environment, the various editions of the international competition Solar Decathlon have proven to be unique experiences in which academia, with its scientific approach, gets in real contact with the industry, allowing for the know-how transfer that enhances the potential of both professionals and the market, benefitting ultimately the end-user. After outlining the general background and framework of the Solar Decathlon, the book describes the project KNOW HOWse, a solar-powered and energy-efficient prototype home, participating at the Solar Decathlon Middle East competition held in Dubai, UAE. The goal of the book is to give a post-competition assessment, as well as a critical reading and interpretation of all the aspects of the event. The project worked toward the objective of transferring the European technological know-how to the UAE, focusing on the feasibility of the building process, achieved with real “buildability” and “operational functionality”, but also on high innovation and experimentation of the design approach, with the intent of combining research and training experience. Universities interested in embarking on a similar journey will find useful information in this book, as well as technical insight and means to avoid critical obstacles. More importantly, this experience might spark renovated interest on behalf of industrial operators and manufacturers to cooperate with academia in view of the testing and validation of products and processes. Finally, professionals and institutions will find helpful and innovative advice and strategies to value their projects and buildings, while promoting high levels of environmental sustainability.