The University of Maryland won 2nd place in 2007 with LEAFHouse and 1st place in 2011 with Watershed. Team Maryland was ranked as the top US University Team for the 3rd time in a row with its 2017 reACT, winning 1st place in the nation and 2nd in the world. Learn about all of UMD's Solar Decathlon entries.
Welcome to LEAFHouse
LEAFHouse, was awarded Second Place and the People’s Choice Award at the 2007 Solar Decathlon. Shortly thereafter, AIA Potomac Valley acquired LEAFHouse, which has served as our chapter house ever since. LEAFHouse is an inspiring building, and now you may tour it any time courtesy of our Matterport scan (below). Be sure to check out the “Mattertags” within the scan, which contain details about LEAFHouse’s innovative, sustainable technologies.
Click and expand the window above to "walk through" the virtual tool. Use your mouse to zoom, pan in any direction, jump to a new location, or take a measurement.
Many thanks to AIAPV Annual Partner Precision Property Measurements for the Matterport!
View the slideshow below to get a sense of the history of LEAFHouse and its usage over the years.
Why is LEAFHouse special?
The Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation purchased the LEAFHouse (Leading Everyone to an Abundant Future) from the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. It was designed and built entirely by University of Maryland students and faculty advisors for the 2007 Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. It won second place in this prestigious international competition!
2007 Solar Decathlon: 2nd place overall 1st place in the Communications Contest 2nd place in the Architecture, Market Viability and Lighting Contests (1st place in the Lighting Subjective Contest) One of seven teams to score a perfect score in the Energy Balance Contest Solar Decathlon Other or Industry Awards: Solar Decathlon’s BP People’s Choice Award ASHRAE: Integration for Renewables for Sustainable Living NAHB: First Place in the NAHB Marketing Curb Appeal Award AIA Potomac Valley: AIAPV 2007 Advancement of the Art and Science of Architecture Award Washingtonian Magazine / AIA DC: 2009 Distinctive Residential Architecture Award (featured in June 2009 issue of Washington Magazine)
On Saturday, September 12th, 2009, the chapter dedicated the new chapter house with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.The ribbon was cut by (l to r) H. Michael Hill, AIA, President-Elect; Carl Elefante, FAIA, 2009 President; Chris Morrison, AIA, 2008 President; Lloyd Unsell, Jr., Hon. AIA, Retiring Exec. Director; Melanie Hennigan, AIA, 2006-2007 President; Michael Poness, AIA, 2005 President; and James Louviere, AIA, 2001 President.
What's it got to do with local architects?
The architects of our Chapter were so impressed with LEAFHouse that we bought it from the University to use as our office and as a public demonstration of an energy efficient building in action. We think we are the only AIA Chapter in the country with a net-zero chapter house! It also gives us the opportunity to interact with students at events like our annual Mentor Dinners with seniors in the School of Architecture.
Where is LEAFHouse?
We are at the north entrance to the University campus off Paint Branch Road. Getting to our street, Metzerott Road, is a little tricky, so click here for detailed directions.
Make a tax-deductible donation to the maintenance and public use of LEAFhouse!
