AURAK to Produce the ‘Perfect House’

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) today hosted the Ras Al Khaimah Zero-Energy Villa Kick-off Workshop, which will see the university produce a completely sustainable residential unit, named ‘Al Bayt Al Kamel’ or ‘the Perfect House’.

The initiative originates as part of the university’s participation in the first edition of the Solar Decathlon Middle East competition, with the 2018 edition being organized by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy.

The project, which will see collaboration between the university and its research center, the Ras Al Khaimah Research and Innovation Center (RAKRIC), aims to construct a residential unit which relies solely on renewable energy for the likes of lighting, cooling and water desalination. Other factors, such as innovations in the building’s architectural design will also play a role in the project’s success.

The workshop, which took place on the AURAK campus, focused on generating awareness for the upcoming project, bringing together potential investors, industrial partners and governmental departments. Partners who have already committed to the ‘Perfect House’ project include Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the Federal Electricity and Water Authority, Guardian Glass, AIC Steel, and RAK Precast, among others.

Commenting on AURAK’s participation in the initiative, AURAK president, Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim stated, ‘Essentially, the purpose of education is to give us the knowledge and technical skills to improve our quality of life. I feel very satisfied when I see AURAK participating in this type of project, especially because it will have a positive impact on the environment and the preservation of our planet.”

Professor Mousa Mohsen, dean of the School of Engineering at AURAK, welcomed the forward-thinking nature of the competition, and expressed his desire for students get involved in the process.