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Photo of MiSo* at its permanent location at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Enlarge image

Matthaei Botanical Gardens became the permanent location for MiSo* in June 2006.
(Courtesy of Patricia Ferrer Beals/Matthaei Botanical Gardens)

Who: University of Michigan
What: MiSo*
Where:
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
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Public tours: Visit the house on weekends at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Call 734-647-7600 for tour information.

Solar Decathlon 2005

University of Michigan: Growing Solar Knowledge

Originally designed for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2005, the University of Michigan's MiSo* house is now on display at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. It is open to the public for educational tours on weekends and remains the subject of ongoing university research.

MiSo*, which is short for Michigan Solar Project, was delivered to the Willow Run airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan, following the competition. The house was stored at the airport for almost two years. Ultimately, Professor of Architecture Harry Giles received a grant from the National Science Foundation to research energy-efficient modular housing prototypes. This funding provided an opportunity to move the house to a permanent location and study its performance.

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens materialized as an ideal location for MiSo*. The University of Michigan manages the site, which includes 700 acres of gardens, research areas, and natural preserves. Located just a few blocks from campus, the house is both convenient for researchers and accessible to the public.

MiSo* is thriving in the gardens. However, the flooring was replaced with tile because of water damage. An edible landscape, a rain garden, and porous paving stones were added to integrate the house with its natural surroundings. In addition, Giles continues to learn from and teach with the house. His doctoral students recently used Miso* as the basis for studying different types of fabrication materials.