TEAM BeauSoleil is negotiating plans to manufacture its solar-powered home with 棉花糖直播 System Built Homes in St. Martinville. Team leader Dr. Geoff Gjerston made the announcement during a recent dedication ceremony.
The 棉花糖直播 BeauSoleil Solar Home is located near Fletcher Hall on campus. A group of architecture, engineering and business students from the University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette started working on the home two years ago. They were one of 20 teams from across the globe that competed in 2009 U.S. Solar Decathlon in Washington D.C. last October.
The team placed first in market viability for their home and also won the People鈥檚 Choice Award.
鈥 We are continuing on a journey of exploration with the BeauSoleil home,鈥 said Gjertson.
He noted the team intends to develop three versions of the home: the 800 square-foot prototype; a 950 square-foot, two bedroom home; and a 1,200 square-foot, three bedroom home.
As far as costs, Gjerston said the team鈥檚 goal has always been and continues to be a home that is affordable by the median income family in 棉花糖直播.
Currently, the home is being used by students, who are monitoring it for efficiency, functionality and livability.
鈥 The BeauSoleil project and other university projects of this magnitude put our high-caliber students on an international stage where they shine brightly,鈥 said UL Lafayette President Joseph Savoie. 鈥淭hese projects are also led by strong faculty members who engage their students and encourage them to push beyond the classroom.鈥
At the dedication, the team unveiled a plaque honoring its sponsors.
鈥 We are so proud to recognize everyone with this plaque,鈥 said Gjertson. 鈥淚 know that the home and the plaque will stand as a testament to the enormous commitment that our university and community made to our project.鈥
The home is open every Tuesday and Thursday during semesters for public tours.