The futuristic building on Burgplatz in Essen was an impressive eye catcher. The so-called plus energy house, which was developed at Darmstadt Technical University with the support of HOCHTIEF, was displayed in downtown Essen from April to June 2010, and was also open to visitors daily. Students who were involved with the project provided guided tours of the house and explained the innovative solar technology.

"The house proves that sustainability means quality of life. It demonstrates marketable innovations. We would like to see as many of these as possible being constructed for everyday living," said HOCHTIEF CEO Herbert Lütkestratkötter at the opening in April 2010. The victory with the plus energy house in 2009 marks the second time that the TU Darmstadt team has won the Solar Decathlon competition for solar construction. Its previous win came in 2007.