University of Maryland students are building a house for the future: Leading Everyone to an Abundant Future House or “LEAFHouse.” The name reflects the university’s interest in marrying biological knowledge and cutting-edge technology. The leaf in nature is a perfect machine for converting sunlight into energy.
University of Maryland’s LEAFHouse is planned to go up against 20 other universities in the 2007 Solar Decathlon to be held at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The bi-annual competition, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, centers on all of the ways in which we use energy in our daily lives—at work, at home, and at play.
First held in 2002, the DOE Solar Decathlon consists of ten contests: architecture, engineering, market viability, communications, comfort zone, appliances, hot water, lighting, energy balance, and getting around. This will be the third time University of Maryland has participated in the event.
UM’s developmental and design process gives the group the opportunity to try out viable alternatives. Stick framing with spray foam insulation was selected to frame the house walls. Many windows are placed in the house to give a connected-to-nature feeling; the windows also use a lift-and-slide door system. The skyline, other than being beautiful, is meant to act like a spine while helping with circulation. The house combines the power of solar, hydro, and air energy.
The Solar Decathlon aims to educate future leaders in the process of integrated design; educate the public about environmentally sound, sustainable construction; and promote the role of efficiency and solar technologies in achieving energy independence.
The world consumes about 450 quadrillion (quads) British thermal units (Btu) of energy each year. About 86 percent of that use comes from burning fossil fuels—petroleum, coal, and natural gas. The United States consumes about 100 quads of energy per year, which is also based on about 86 percent fossil fuel use. The residential building sector accounts for about 21 percent of the U.S. consumption total.
