The US Department of Energy’s 2011 Solar Decathlon will be holding its opening ceremonies later this week in Washington, D.C., and adroyt will be on the scene. The event challenges 20 university teams to conceive, build, and operate affordable and energy-efficient solar-powered houses while incorporating appealing design and innovation. The expo will take place from September 23 through October 2 at the National Mall’s Potomac Park.

The premium German appliance manufacturer Miele—firmly committed to the highest quality, outstanding performance and leading environmental standards—is sponsoring the University of Maryland’s entry to this elite competition. Dubbed WaterShed, the cutting-edge model home is inspired by the rich ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Emulating the path of a water droplet, the split butterfly roof harvests rainfall, directing it through a fully integrated management system that includes recycling, filtration through a constructed wetland, a vertical garden wall, and a consolidated mechanical core. Photovoltaic and thermal arrays, a high-performance building envelope, and high-efficiency systems complete the whole-house design approach to sustainability.

The WaterShed Model Home

Miele, the world’s largest family-owned and operated appliance company, is providing a wide range of their state-of-the-art products for the home, including the Optima Slimline Fully Integrated Dishwasher; a Built-In Ventilation Hood with Retractable Canopy; MasterChef Clean Touch Speed Oven; Induction Cooktop; and two styles of vacuum systems, the Universal Upright and Earth Canister.

Stay tuned for our reports on this fantastic contribution by the University of Maryland’s team of talented students and advisors. We’ll be in the nation’s capital cheering them on alongside19 other teams as they celebrate their efforts, and look toward a more sustainable future for all of us!

If you want to follow along on Thursday, here are a few handles and hashtags we'll be including in our social media coverage: 

@mieleusa @solar_decathlon @umdwatershed #buildbetter #foreverbetter #solardecathlon