WaterShed, the University of Maryland’s entry into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, is a solar-powered home that comprises systems which interact with each other and the environment. A home that harvests, recycles, and reuses water, WaterShed not only conserves but produces resources with the water it captures. Inspired by the rich, complex ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the home displays harmony between modernity, tradition, and simple building strategies, balancing time-trusted best practices and cutting-edge technological solutions to achieve high efficiency performance in an affordable manner. WaterShed placed first overall in the competition! See the full scoring and standing results on the Solar Decathlon website here. For information on how to visit WaterShed, please visit our Plan Your Visit page here.
![Exterior architectural photograph of Maryland's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, Washington D.C., Sept. 30, 2011. (Credit: Jim Tetro/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)](/images/uploads/watershed_news_accolades_main-165x110.jpg)
Days after the University of Maryland’s entry, WaterShed, took first place at the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, accolades for the team continue to pour in from supporters, media, and government officials, including official statements before the United States … Continue reading
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WaterShed has taken first place at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011. The announcement was delivered by US Energy Secretary Steven Chu Saturday afternoon in front of a packed tent of students, sponsors and supporters. “There are lots of … Continue reading
![Photo of Jay Chmilewski working](/images/uploads/jay_chmilewski_interview-165x110.jpg)
Jay Chmilewski has a great eye for detail. It’s a skill that in part attributes to his success in his civil engineering degree, and that sources his photography subjects, a hobby which gained him some local recognition at a gallery … Continue reading