Benguerir successfully hosted the Final of the Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge 2024
HIBAPRESS-RABAT The final of the Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge 2024 took place successfully at the Green & Smart Building Park on the UM6P campus in Benguerir. This major international event, dedicated to innovation and sustainable development in sustainable architecture and construction, highlighted the skills and ingenuity of participating teams from around the world.
THE Solar Decathlon Africa – Design Challenge 2024 (SDA-DC24) is an international competition organized by the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN), the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and the Green Energy Parkunder the aegis of Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of the Kingdom of Morocco, with the support of United States Department of Energy (US DoE). This competition invites students to design innovative net-zero energy buildings, adapted to the needs of Africa, with a focus on climate resilience, accessibility and community well-being.
Technical and Scientific Results
During this edition, the teams, made up of more than 250 students and researchers from 6 different countries and representing more than 70 universities and higher education establishments, presented concepts for prototypes of high energy performance and autonomous houses integrating technologies peak. Among the notable innovations:
Advanced Photovoltaic Systems: The teams used new generation solar panels, optimized for maximized energy yields even in low light conditions. Energy Storage Systems: use of high-capacity batteries and thermal storage solutions, ensuring increased energy autonomy. Intelligent Energy Management: Integration of energy management systems based on artificial intelligence, allowing real-time optimization of energy consumption. Ecological Building Materials: Use of sustainable and recyclable materials, reducing the overall carbon footprint of construction. Innovative Construction Techniques: Application of modular and prefabricated construction methods, reducing waste and improving resource efficiency. Sustainable Construction
In addition to technological advances, the Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge places particular emphasis on sustainable construction. The teams demonstrated the importance of combining innovation and sustainability in their projects, incorporating construction practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency.
The prototype designs illustrate how sustainable construction techniques can be implemented at scale, positively influencing the construction sector. By using available and local ecological materials, efficient construction processes and smart technologies, the teams have proven that sustainability and performance of buildings of the future can go hand in hand.
The jury has deliberated and is pleased to announce the winners in the following categories as well as the overall winner: Residential : the Eco-terra team, a team from the National School of Architecture of Marrakech; Commercial: the Innovex team, a team from the National School of Architecture of Rabat and the SUPMTI Rabat school; Community: the Buiclay team, a team from the Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Salé, the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Arts et Métiers de Rabat and the Ecole Nationale de l’Architecture de Rabat. Big winner: the Eco-terra team. The award-winning teams distinguished themselves by their excellence in the design, innovation and sustainability of their value proposition. Their exemplary projects illustrate the immense potential of young international talents to transform the sustainable architecture sector.
The Solar Decathlon Africa Design Challenge 2024 was a resounding success, illustrating the immense potential of young international talents to transform the sustainable architecture sector. The projects presented this year will serve as a model for future initiatives in green construction and sustainable development.
