We are a student team from Victoria University of Wellington building an energy efficient fully solar powered house – The Meridian First Light house – as our entry into the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011.
Every two years the Solar Decathlon challenges students to design, build and operate an attractive, affordable house powered entirely by the sun.
Our team is led by students from Victoria’s School of Architecture and made up of students from various schools within the university. We are one of only 20 teams worldwide and the first entry ever from the Southern Hemisphere to compete in the prestigious competition.
After months of designing and building we are finally ready to show off the Meridian First Light house. With help from our many sponsors we have assembled our solar powered Kiwi bach, on Frank Kitts Park in Wellington.
The time on Frank Kitts Park gives us a chance to practice for the competition which takes place in Washington DC in September and October this year. It also gives us the chance to share what we have been creating with everyone here in New Zealand before we ship the house off to the US to compete.
Come on down to Frank Kitts Park and take a tour around the Meridian First Light house!
Opening times:
May 7th to 24th
Weekdays 12pm – 4pm
Weekends 10am – 5:30pm
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« Construction almost...
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Frank Kitts Park... »
The National Energy Research Institute and Victoria University of Wellington are joining forces to organise the Energy Conference 2013 entitled: Energy at the Crossroads: Energy Innovation for a Sustainable Society. The conference will be held in Wellington from 12 to 14 February 2013.
To make a submission in response to the call for papers, please go to the Energy Conference website http://www.theenergyconference.org.nz/call-for-papers.html
Hi team
Saw your house twice yesterday afternoon. Extremely impressed with design, layout and functionality. Also with your brochure. Sincerest congratulations. Picked up different bits of interesting info at each tour. Glad you beat the Aussies with your entry. Wishing you all the best in Washington. May you be the winners. Best wishes, Nick Lambrechtsen [occasional VUW exam supervisor]
Thanks for the feedback Nick!
Absolutely amazing structure and design my class is going on a school trip to see all of the energy efficient buildings and structures around wellington we will be visiting several structures featured in this website and will enjoy it all
Regards,
Year 8 Student ,
Raroa normal intermediate
Hello Persons,
I went to see your house with my Social Studies class i think it is VERY cool. i like how you guys made that little hide away bunk in the lounge. I also liked how the house was really really like freakishly enjoyably warm
so great job and good luck in in DC
Hi there
Visited the Firstlight house this morning – very impressive. Enjoyed the interactions with the students involved. We wish you all the very best – Good Luck!
Valerie & Jeff
Heard about the light house on National Radio. Unfortunately I’m in Chch so couldn’t see in person but took the tour via computer. I’m originally from Washington DC so I know of this competition. I am currently building an eco friendly home in Chch however due to the costs it will be solar ready and not solar powered until a later date.
My question for you is what sort of countertop did you use in the light house? I’m searching for something a little more environmentally friendly and was wondering what you used and if it is different from what we are seeing in the stores here. Also what sort of wood is used on the inside for cabinetry? Best of luck. Ruth