The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon was held October 8-18, 2015, in Irvine, Calif. Regional Simpson Strong-Tie locations provided product and cash donations, along with engineering resources and technical assistance, to several collegiate teams competing in the Decathlon to design, build and operate cost-effective solar-powered houses.
The Simpson Strong-Tie Columbus, OH, facility sponsored the Stevens Institute of Technology team in New Jersey on the SU+RE (Sustainable + Resilient) HOUSE project, which took first place in the overall competition. Simpson Strong-Tie donated structural connectors and fasteners to help the house resist high winds, flooding and the corrosive coastal environment. The SU+RE HOUSE team used the Simpson Strong-Tie Flood-Resistant Construction Guide as a critical reference in the design and build of the house.