Photo Credit: Celia Pearson
WATERSHED - US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011
(University of Maryland - Amy [Principal Investigator] and Brittany were faculty leaders for the project.)
WaterShed - the University of Maryland's entry into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 - is a solar-powered home comprising interacting engineered and natural systems. Inspired by the rich, complex ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the home operates as a micro-ecosystem that not only conserves resources but actively produces them. Out of more than 40 international submissions, WaterShed was selected as one of 20 competing finalists, ultimately winning the 2011 Solar Decathlon overall and placing in the top three in eight out of ten contests, including first place in Architecture.
Born out of the University’s deep institutional knowledge of renewable energy, WaterShed represents a landmark achievement in sustainable residential design. The design strikes a deliberate harmony between modernity and tradition, balancing simple, time-trusted building strategies with cutting-edge technological solutions to achieve high-efficiency performance in an affordable manner. The final structure was the result of an intense two-year collaboration where an interdisciplinary team of students, faculty, and industry professionals bridged the gap between academic theory and real life construction practices.
Architecturally, the house is formed by two rectangular modules capped by a split-butterfly roof optimized for capturing sunlight and rainwater. Designed to be both spacious and affordable, WaterShed features:
Constructed Wetlands: Filters stormwater and greywater for safe reuse.
A Green Roof: Retains stormwater while minimizing the urban heat island effect.
An Optimally Sized PV Array: Harvests enough solar energy to power the home year-round.
Edible Landscapes: Integrates native, food-producing plants to support community-based agriculture.
A Liquid Desiccant Waterfall: Provides high-efficiency humidity control disguised as an elegant indoor water feature.
A Solar Thermal Array: Supplies all domestic hot water, desiccant regeneration, and supplemental space heating.
Integrated Engineering Systems: Operates in harmony so that each system multiplies the effectiveness of the others.
A Proven Structural System: Delivers an efficient, cost-effective, and durable building envelope.
Awards + Recognition:
1st place in the 2011 US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
Citation Award, 2012 AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award
Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design, AIA DC Design Award
AIA Chesapeake Bay Chapter Award
Built by Women DC Award Winner, Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation
Watermark Project of the Year, Builder Magazine
State of Maryland House and Senate Binding Resolution in recognition of WaterShed
Citation in the US Congressional Record by Steny Hoyer in recognition of WaterShed
State of Maryland's Governor Proclamation in recognition of WaterShed
Maryland Clean Energy Center Commendation in recognition of WaterShed
Montgomery County Council Proclamation in recognition of WaterShed
MDVSEIA Solar Innovation Award
