Thanksgiving weekend 2009 the Alison Milne Design Team made our way down to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to visit the Solar Decathlon hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy. Twenty teams of college and university students competed to design, build, and operate the most attractive, effective, and energy-efficient solar-powered house.

“North House” - Check out pictures of our favourite below.

For more information on North House please click here North House

The Solar Decathlon consists of three major phases:
Building: In addition to designing houses that use innovative, high-tech elements in ingenious ways, students have to raise funds, communicate team activities, collect supplies, and work with contractors.

Moving to the Solar Village: When it’s time for the Solar Decathlon, the teams transport their houses to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and rebuild them on site.

Competing: During the competition itself, the teams receive points for their performance in 10 contests and open their homes to the public.

The winner of this event was Team Germany. To Learn more about Team Germany’s house click below.
Team Germany

It was truly inspiring to see such architecturally innovative spaces that are so self sufficient and eco-friendly!

“IN CANADA, BUILDINGS USE NEARLY ONE THIRD OF OUR TOTAL ENERGY, TWO THIRDS OF OUR ELECTRICITY, AND ONE EIGHTH OF OUR WATER.”

- LEED GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM

THIS SECTION WILL BE FILLED WITH INFORMATION ON THE SUSTAINABLILITY INITIATIVES ALISON MILNE DESIGN PURSUES , INCLUDING INTERIOR AND FURNITURE DESIGNS.  ALISON IS CURRENTLY WORKING TO COMPLETE THE LEED GREEN BUILDING FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.