Blog
6
minutes reading time
Team VirTU/e | The future of housing
TU/e Students Shaping the Future of Housing
In 2016, a group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) embarked on a mission to reimagine urban living, eventually giving birth to Team VIRTU/e – a multidisciplinary collective dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions within the built environment. Brought together by a vision to support the transition to sustainable cities worldwide, VIRTU/e has been dedicated to transforming housing in the Brainport Region for nearly a decade.
A Legacy of Innovation
VIRTU/e's commitment to excellence is rooted in the Team’s previous performances in the prestigious Solar Decathlon competitions. With projects such as LINQ, an apartment renovation that utilized smart technology, securing 6th place in Dubai (UAE); and Ripple – an adaptable modular extension for flat-roof buildings earning an outstanding 2nd place in Wuppertal (GER), the team demonstrated commitment to designing energy-efficient and forward-thinking buildings that perform well across a wide array of evaluation criteria
Currently, Ripple now also stands as a prototype building for everyone to see in the north of Eindhoven at LivingLab040. Following the cancellation of the next edition of Solar Decathlon Europe, VIRTU/e refocused their efforts on new challenges closer to home with ED/IT.
ED/IT: Redefining Terraced Housing
VIRTU/e’s current focus is on project ED/IT. This innovative building system seeks to tackle the housing crisis and reduce the environmental footprint of urban development. By reimagining the traditional Dutch terraced house, ED/IT proposes sustainable renovations and retrofitting solutions that cater to multi-generational households. Put simply, VIRTU/e has developed a suite of architectural solutions for extending existing row houses with an additional floor, thus enabling new opportunities for co-habitation in Dutch cities. The design emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials and thoughtful integration into existing streetscapes, ensuring harmony between new developments and established communities.
Building Fun Friends: The Heart of VIRTU/e
Central to the team is our motto: Building Fun Friends (BFF). This philosophy fosters a collaborative environment where approximately 20 members from diverse academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds unite. Our team not only hones technical skills but also cultivates leadership and interpersonal relationships, preparing our members for impactful careers in sustainable development. The supportive atmosphere encourages mentorship, knowledge exchange, and strong partnerships with industry experts—all contributing to VIRTU/e’s collective growth and success.
Join the Movement
Team VIRTU/e's journey is a testament to the transformative power of student-driven innovation in shaping the future of urban living. To learn more about our projects, mission, or how you can get involved, visit www.teamvirtue.nl and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok for updates on our project.
TU/e Student Teams: Innovating for a Better Future
Team VIRTU/e is part of the TU/e innovation Space – a dynamic hub for Challenge-Based Learning and entrepreneurship, where interdisciplinary Student Teams tackle some of society's most critical challenges as autonomous organizations. These teams, composed of students from diverse academic backgrounds, collaborate on real-world problems ranging from sustainable energy solutions to future mobility and healthcare innovations. By engaging with industry partners, researchers, and other experts and resources, Student Teams are empowered to drive impactful change while developing the skills needed to become the next generation of talent for the Brainport Region.
