Two Chinese universities have entered an international competition that aims to promote the building of innovative, efficient and sustainable housing, the first time Asian universities have participated in the event.

Tianjin University and Shanghai-based Tongji University have sent teams to participate in the four-day Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 that starts Thursday in Villa Solar in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

The "Sunflower" designed by Tianjin University is a one-bedroom apartment combining the traditional building styles of northern China and of Yunnan and Anhui provinces in the southern parts of China, said Professor Gao Hui, leader of the Tianjin University design team.

The "Bamboo House," which is 80 percent made of bamboo, has an arch solar panel mounted on its roof to maximize electricity generation and enhance ventilation and drainage, said Tongji University's team leader, Professor Tan Hongwei.

Fifteen other universities from Europe and the United States are also participating in the competition, said Li Dan, a Tianjin University spokeswoman.

The Solar Decathlon was first held by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2002.

The contest's participants are required to build an apartment of no more than 74 square meters powered by solar power.

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