![solar decathlon shelter 3 solar decathlon shelter 3](https://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/07/Embrace-Team-DTU-2.jpg)
In addition to the design- and energy-related requirements of the competition, teams must also provide documentation about the development of the design of their homes and communicate about their homes to the public.
![solar decathlon shelter 3 solar decathlon shelter 3](https://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2017/10/Survival-House-Team-Alabama-Solar-Decathlon-2017-5-660x459.jpg)
![solar decathlon shelter 3 solar decathlon shelter 3](https://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2017/10/Sinatra-Living-by-University-of-Nevada-Las-Vegas-660x408.jpg)
The homes must also be able to supply hot water for daily use. Each team is judged on its solar home's architecture, livability, comfort, and ability to provide a consistent supply of electricity to run appliances, provide ample lighting, and charge an electric car. The competition is called a decathlon because the teams used the homes to compete in ten different contests, covering technical features, building aesthetics and usability, and the ability of the teams to explain what they've done. Regardless of their layouts, all of the homes show a dramatic reduction in energy footprint compared to an average mainstream dwelling. The overall designs vary from the conventional to the futuristic, although most stick with a modular "pre-built" home layout a gallery is available of the 18 different homes. The top design, from the University of Colorado, emphasized the use of biomaterials in the insulation and building materials. Cal Poly went with a minimalist approach, for example, while the Cornell team added a sophisticated custom Energy Recovery Ventilator system for a high-efficiency smart house.