Photo Credit: Ken Wyner
LEAFHOUSE - US Department of Energy Solar decathlon 2007
University of Maryland
LEAFHouse was the University of Maryland's entry into Solar Decathlon 2007. LEAFHouse explored making a connection to nature visually and experientially. From the innovative knife plate structural system that evokes the veins of a leaf to the green wall on the south facade to the house’s patent-pending liquid desiccant wall, the house derived inspiration from nature in both form and function. The student team was guided by a team of faculty from across the university and professional and industry mentors. The non-hierarchical, interdisciplinary team afforded the university programs and colleges the opportunity to collaborate in unprecedented ways. The house was exhibited on the National Mall in Washington, DC in the fall of 2007. LEAFHouse, along with the other 19 houses from the US and Europe, was visited by tens of thousands of people over the course of 10 days. LEAFHouse placed 2nd overall in the competition. As a graduate student, Britt served as one of the student team leaders for LEAFHouse. Her master's thesis focused on the physical manifestation of diagrammatic ideas into built form through LEAFHouse.
Awards + Recognition
2nd Place Overall in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2007
Honor Award, 2008 AIA DC Washingtonian Design Award
Special Award for the “Advancement of the Art and Science of Architecture”, AIA Potomac Valley 2007 Design Awards
ASHRAE: Integration of Renewable for Sustainable Living Award
National Association of Homebuilders Marketing Curb Appeal Award
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 2008 Annual Awards Ceremony
State of Maryland House and Senate Binding Resolution
