Azalea UPV is a multidisciplinary team of 40 students from 15 different degrees. They collaborate with researchers, institutions, companies and local communities. As a result, they develop innovative solutions for cities, mainly in Valencia (Spain), where the research group originates.
Their goal is to drive innovation in housing. In particular, they create projects that aim to become references for the future of architecture and engineering.
Solar Decathlon Europe Framework
The team works within the framework of Solar Decathlon Europe. This international competition allows them to develop proposals that improve neighborhoods. At the same time, they learn, experiment and grow as future professionals.
This year, Azalea UPV presented “Escalá”, the only Spanish project selected for the competition.
Solar Decathlon Europe is one of the most important university competitions in architecture and engineering. It challenges students to design and build innovative, sustainable and energy-efficient buildings powered by renewable energy.
The competition began in 2002 in the United States. Later, in 2010, it was held in Europe for the first time, in Madrid (Spain).
From Barraca to Escalá
In the 2019 edition, held in Hungary, the Azalea team achieved outstanding results. For example, they won first prize in Architecture, second in Energy Efficiency and third in Engineering and Construction with their project “Barraca”.
This project reinterpreted a traditional Valencian building. As a result, the team transformed it into a more sustainable and energy-efficient space using innovative techniques and materials.
Escalá: A Circular and Efficient Housing Prototype
This year, the team developed “Escalá”, an innovative housing prototype. It integrates home automation systems, water recovery solutions and an energy efficiency concept known as “caloret”.
Moreover, the project incorporates recycled and recyclable materials such as HONEXT®. These materials are used throughout the interior lining. As a result, they help control humidity and improve thermoregulation.
Materials and Sustainability Approach
According to Sofia Iglesias, member of the Azalea UPV team, the project focuses on long-lasting and reusable materials. In addition, they prioritise local sourcing (0 km), which helps reduce transport emissions.
Furthermore, these materials are obtained from recycling processes. They are free from harmful substances and designed to be fully recyclable.
“We have chosen materials with a long lifespan that can be reused in future projects. They are locally sourced (0 km), reduce transport emissions and are obtained from recycling processes. They are also free from harmful substances and fully recyclable,” said Sofia Iglesias.
Results and Future Impact
The results of this edition have been remarkable. The team won first prize in Innovation and third place in both Architecture and Engineering.
Overall, Azalea UPV represents a strong step forward towards more sustainable cities and responsible construction.
HONEXT® is a circular building material made from upcycled paper industry waste, designed for safe and healthy interiors. Fully recyclable and non-toxic, it meets the highest industry standards with Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold and Material Health Gold certifications, validating its performance in circularity, material health and sustainability.