The SURE house is also an award-winning project for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenge, which inspires collegiate creative teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive, while at the same time they incorporate "affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency." to represent the future of sustainability.

The creative team behind SURE house started off with a simple concept: they wanted to construct a low energy, solar-powered, storm-resilient home for the people who live in coastal areas, which often suffer from extreme weather, such as storms, high winds and floodings. For example, the team developed a storm shutter system that act as protection, a shading system, and as solar collectors.

The completed 1,000 square feet beach house type of construction uses 90% less energy than conventional houses of today. It is able to power itself through clean solar energy and can even become a hub for emergency power for the surrounding houses after a violent storm.

It comes with an open floor plan, letting the sunshine in and lots of fresh air. The home is originally intended for middle-class families, offering two bedrooms and flexible living spaces to live comfortably in an otherwise compact home.

Since the competition has concluded, SURE house will be moved to another location (East Coast), where it will serve as a community education center.