Summer 2009:

The idea — to build Europe’s most sustainable zero carbon, solar powered house. The house would be designed, constructed then transported to Spain for the very first Solar Decathlon Europe. Nottingham was to pit its expertise against 19 other universities from across the world.

October 2009:

Students in the Department of Architecture and the Built Environment produced a series of initial designs. The winning design for the Nottingham HOUSE was the result of months of work in the “zero carbon housing studio module.” The design was fully developed by the students over the summer and autumn months.

January 2010:

Construction work began. A team of 40 students worked on all aspects of the construction of the project.

March 2010:

The modular building was unveiled at Ecobuild, the world’s biggest exhibition for sustainable design, construction and the built environment — taking top prize in the inaugural Timber category at Ecobuild Awards.

May 2010:

Michelin Star chef, Sat Bains, held a masterclass to show off the students’ sustainable dinner party menu with dishes of green gazpacho and slow cooked rare breed pork belly.

June 2010:

In the worst June weather that Madrid had seen in 50 years the team battled torrential rain, thunder storms and floods to build their house and meet the competition deadline. They overcame adversity to come second in the ‘sustainability’ category. The judges said: “This is one of the few houses attempting to push boundaries of passive design.” Planning permission is being currently being sought to build the Nottingham HOUSE on Green Close — site of the Creative Energy Homes project on University Park.