The air crackled with innovation and the hum of power tools at Vandermont, as teams battled it out in the latest Make48 challenge: "Backyard Brilliance: Powered By the Sun." This wasn't your average backyard makeover; it was a race against the clock to reimagine outdoor living through the power of solar, thanks to the generous support of RoofMaster and Signature Solar.
The Challenge: Beyond the Home, Beyond Expectations
The challenge was clear: take solar beyond its traditional role and integrate it into the very fabric of backyard life.
Teams were tasked with designing and building prototypes that addressed key areas:
Roof-Integrated Solutions: How could roofs become more than just shelters, but active energy hubs?
Energy Efficiency: Could outdoor furniture and practices be sustainably powered?
Outdoor Entertainment: Imagine solar-powered games, relaxation, and fun!
Functional Structures: Transforming backyard utilities with integrated solar.
Smart Landscaping: Automating maintenance with solar power.
The result? A whirlwind of creativity, problem-solving, and sheer maker spirit.
The Winners Rise: Bolts & Brains Light Up the Competition
With Tool Techs from across the country and support from SMU, the teams pushed their limits, working tirelessly to bring their visions to life. After a grueling 48 hours, the judges, Dyke Shipp (KFC Corp.), Sharrell Howard (Make48/DeBruce Foundation), and Byron Sanders (Arete Health), faced the difficult task of selecting the winners.
And the champions are...
1st Place: Bolts & Brains! This team impressed the judges with their ingenuity and execution, securing their spot at Nationals and $2,000 prize.
Bolts & Brains 2nd Place: The Other Guys! Close behind, The Other Guys demonstrated remarkable skill and innovation, also earning a coveted place at the national competition.
The Other Guys Best Agilities (The DeBruce Foundation Award): Tippy Toe Titans! This team showcased exceptional adaptability and problem-solving, earning special recognition identifying their strengths and working together.
Tippy Toe Titans
Onward to Nationals!
Bolts & Brains and The Other Guys will now advance to the Make48 Nationals this November. The location is yet to be announced, but one thing is certain: the challenge will be completely new, testing their skills and creativity in a fresh and exciting way.
A Huge Thank You to Vandermont and Our Sponsors
The success of Make48 at Vandermont was truly a collaborative triumph, and we owe a massive debt of gratitude to all involved.
A monumental thank you to Vandermont for hosting and fueling this incredible event! Their exceptional school, invaluable resources, and outstanding leadership, especially from Mandy Goggans, Evan Dalrymple, and Andrew Podoll, were instrumental in launching Make48 in Dallas.
We're deeply thankful to RoofMaster and Signature Solar for their commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable energy solutions, igniting the spirit of the competition.
A special thank you to the vibrant local businesses—Arete Health, T1 Race Development, Bestagon HUB, G4 Brothers, Westlake ACE Hardware, SMU Lyle School of Engineering, and Lyle Thrive Scholars—whose collective support formed the bedrock of this event.
And of course, a thunderous round of applause for our extraordinary Team Captains, Tool Techs, and product sponsors from around the country! Your dedication and expertise, showcased by partners like Makerbot/Ultimaker, Dynamism, ShopBot Tools, Epilog Laser, Fastenal, and Lincoln Electric kept the energy high and the innovation flowing for the entire 48 hours.
Stay Tuned for the Sizzle Reel!
For a glimpse into the excitement and innovation that unfolded at Vandermont, be sure to keep an eye out for the official sizzle reel, which is coming soon!
The Make48 challenge at Vandermont proved that the future of backyard living is bright, powered by the sun and driven by the ingenuity of makers. We can't wait to see what these teams accomplish at Nationals!
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