A virtual idea just became a reality for team VirTUe
How great is this project! Team VIRTUe just launched their grid-connected, energetically self-sufficient house in Dubai. A group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands has been working on developing a sustainable solar home as part of their participation in the Solar Decathlon Middle East Competition. At Skyne we have been following every development for the past two years while mentoring them along the way.
The project called LINQ adopts an innovative way of living that connects technologies and people within the building. LINQ is designed around the idea of combining multiple houses into one apartment complex that contains social facilities and a lush green atrium connecting different floors and shared spaces. It runs on a net-zero solar energy system, meaning it produces as much power as it uses. The building also utilises innovative technologies and a smart system, that stimulates residents to live efficiently and sustainably.
The launch
On the 14th of November, the team officially revealed an apartment from LINQ to the public for the first time and presented a portrayal of their vision of future living. Co-hosted by the Dutch Design Center, the event welcomed a large audience of the Dutch community in the UAE in addition to people of interest including senior government officials and the honorary Dutch Consulate General in Dubai.
As their partner in the UAE, Skyne helped the team gain local knowledge, and together we determined Team VirTUe’s branding and positioning, ultimately setting them apart from the competition. “Skyne was like a mentor for us in creating our brand and providing us with the right connections that we could build on. The work environment and the way of collaborating was energetic and fresh”, says Michiel Derikx from team VIRTUe.