About Us

Solar Decathlon Africa is an international competition, organized for the first time in Africa, with the aim of fostering the development and promotion of research and innovation in the building sector. The competition brings together 20 participants from around the world, evaluating their achievements based on innovative architectural solutions, energy efficiency, optimization of resource usage, sustainability, and the level of comfort in the house.

The inaugural edition of Solar Decathlon Africa took place in Benguerir in September 2019, expecting tens of thousands of visitors, including professionals, investors, developers, professors, and students. The Inter House Team entered the competition in April 2018, dedicating over a year to the design of its prototype.

The team comprises participants from two Moroccan institutions, Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech and the National School of Architecture in Marrakech, along with an American university, the Colorado School of Mines.

The Inter House Team focused on designing and constructing an affordable house to promote Morocco’s commitment to renewable energy sources. Drawing inspiration from the local context for architecture and incorporating interactive and integrated energy management systems, the team made decisions that balance efficiency and affordability, such as using local materials and reducing energy consumption. The implementation of control systems allows users to manage the comfort level in their homes.

The Inter House team achieved the first prize in the competition and was recognized in several categories, including innovation and marketability.