International Competitions

Project H-Naught

Honourable Mention in Sustainability in Solar Decathlon Europe

• Prefabricated modular house designed for easy transport and quick assembly
• Net-zero energy system powered by rooftop solar, solar water heating, and solar cooking
• DC electrical distribution reducing energy losses and improving efficiency
• Passive design using natural ventilation, daylight optimization, and insulation

Project Solarise

Best Participation Award at Solar Decathlon China 2018

• Two-story net-positive energy house with integrated solar PV and smart energy management
• Electric vehicle charging station supporting sustainable mobility
• Thermal energy recovery system utilizing exhaust air for efficient reuse
• Integrated design combining renewable energy, efficiency, and smart systems

Project Daksh

First Runner-Up (Attached Housing Division) at US Solar Decathlon 2021

• Sustainable cluster of attached housing designed for planned urban communities
• Centralized solar PV system replacing individual rooftop installations
• Shared HVAC system with heat recovery and thermal energy storage
• Community-scale design improving efficiency and reducing overall costs

Project Vivaan

Overall Second Position at US Solar Decathlon Build Challenge 2023

• G+1 net-positive energy home targeting net-zero carbon and water use
• Use of agricultural waste-based materials to reduce embodied carbon
• In-house humidity control system for improved indoor comfort
• Passive cooling strategies minimizing operational energy demand

Project Seva

1st Position at US Solar Decathlon Design Challenge 2024

• Net-zero retrofit of a Community Healthcare Centre in Palghar, Maharashtra
• Passive design strategies improving comfort, efficiency, and usability
• Integration of renewable energy for sustainable building operation
• Improved accessibility and circulation for patients and staff

Project Samsara

US Solar Decathlon Design Challenge

• Explored retrofit strategies for existing slum rehabilitation housing
• Addressed poor ventilation, limited daylight, and inefficient thermal performance
• Improved ventilation pathways and optimized building layouts
• Enhanced insulation and daylight access to improve occupant comfort
• Focused on reducing energy demand while improving indoor living conditions

CODE-Vayu Dehumidifier

Solar Decathlon India – Product Division

• Humidity control system designed for humid coastal climates like Mumbai and Chennai
• Uses solid desiccant materials to remove moisture from indoor air
• Alternative to conventional refrigerant-based cooling systems
• Significantly reduces energy consumption
• Improves indoor comfort and air quality

Liquid Desiccant Dehumidification System

Maker Bhavan Sandbox

• Developed a liquid desiccant-based humidity control system for buildings in humid environments
• Achieved approximately 23% higher energy efficiency compared to traditional dehumidifiers
• Reduced lifecycle cost by around 20%
• Eliminates the use of refrigerants
• Improves sustainable indoor climate control

Aqua Breeze Cooling System

DTU Green Challenge

Final Round Selection

• Sustainable cooling concept developed for the DTU Green Challenge
• Explored innovative cooling technologies for energy-efficient buildings
• Focused on reducing building energy consumption
• Maintains comfortable indoor thermal conditions
• Emphasizes sustainable and climate-responsive design

Carbon Calculator Tool

IIT Bombay Sustainability Initiative

• Digital tool developed by Team SHUNYA to estimate carbon footprint of events at IIT Bombay
• Excel-based model for structured and accessible analysis
• Evaluates emissions from transportation, food consumption, and HVAC usage
• Includes electricity consumption and construction materials in assessment
• Helps organizers plan and execute more sustainable events

ROOH Housing Retrofit Concept

ROOH Challenge

• Developed for the Roof Over Our Heads (ROOH) Challenge
• Proposed retrofit strategies for informal settlements across India
• Utilizes locally available materials for cost-effective implementation
• Incorporates climate-responsive architectural techniques
• Improves safety, comfort, and overall sustainability of housing