The Pieces Come Together for WaterShed's Next Phase of Construction

Maryland's Solar Decathlon team kicks into high gear with the arrival of WaterShed's main house modules to the campus construction site. The modules arrived on carriers Friday afternoon from manufacturers in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, and were craned into place. Generously sponsored by Maryland Custom Builders Inc. and ProBuilt Homes, the module arrival marks an anticipated turning point in the construction of WaterShed. The arrival and assembly of WaterShed's modules is a terrific milestone and continues Team Maryland's work in making more than a year of planning into a reality, said Amy Gardner, associate professor of architecture and WaterShed's principal investigator.

Over the next two weeks, the team will close in the modules to make them weather-tight, and begin the installation of house systems in preparation for the official groundbreaking on April 7th. WaterShed's construction site is located on Paint Branch Parkway, just south of the Patapsco Building. look forward to watching Maryland's team develop their vision over the next several months,adds David Cronrath, Dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. WaterShed will no doubt influence the way we think about sustainable home design

About WaterShed: WaterShed is the University's submission to the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, and the creative inter-disciplinary collaboration of over 200 Maryland students from various departments and schools, including the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, the A. James Clark School of Engineering, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, and the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. WaterShed takes its inspiration from the nearby Chesapeake Bay, creating a sustainable, solar-powered house that connects its inhabitants with the landscape around them. For more information on the University of Maryland's WaterShed, visit 2011 Solar Team.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation  |  Collaborative Education for a Sustainable Future