The London Metropolitan University has designed an innovative building that pulls together the latest energy saving and generation technology in order to compete in the Solar Decathlon competition.

HelioMet, London Metropolitan University’s team, will be the only entry representing the UK in this year’s Solar Decathlon Europe 2012.

Solar Decathlon is a global competition established by the US Department of Energy that challenges universities to design, build and operate a fully sustainable house, using solar energy as the only energy source.

HelioMet’s entry, known as Sunbloc, has been designed using innovative, low-cost, lightweight materials. The design utilises the latest in energy efficiency methods to radically reduce the amount of energy used in the house.

Harnessing the power of both solar PV and solar thermal technology has allowed Sunbloc to generate enough energy, to not only power itself but also the surrounding buildings.

Anne Markey, Head of ASD Projects in the Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Design said, “It is great to see students from London Metropolitan University be part of this competition – the future of the industry is developed through initiatives such as the Solar Decathlon competition, bringing together academics, students and organisations from various disciplines”.

The house will be constructed at the Casa de Campo, Madrid in early September 2012 where, along with the other 20 entrants, it will be open to public and industry.