Solar Decathlon 2007

University of Maryland: Branching out in Maryland

The University of Maryland team created LEAFHouse for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2007. Following the competition, LEAFHouse was reconstructed on a permanent site at the University of Maryland campus for the Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. While primarily using the house as an office and meeting space, the group also makes it accessible to the public for tours.

Efforts by administrators from the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation led to a long-term lease agreement with the Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The organization assumed stewardship of LEAFHouse with the intent to continue the team's original mission: educating as many people as possible about Leading Everyone to an Abundant Future (LEAF).

The leaf-inspired house—with its network of sensors that monitor factors such as temperature, light, and humidity—finished second place overall in Solar Decathlon 2007. The house's success has continued well beyond the competition. In January 2008, the decathletes were invited to the Maryland State House where their work was commended with a non-binding resolution. At its annual awards ceremony in April 2008, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers also recognized the team.

In addition, a company stemmed from LEAFHouse's innovative approach to sustainable living. University of Maryland Solar Decathlon team members formed LDWorks, LLC, to help bring some of the house's unique technologies to market. In April 2010, the company received national and international patents for the liquid desiccant waterfall it developed for the 2007 competition. These accomplishments demonstrate that good things really do grow when given the right light.