Then, remaining rainwater and grey water are processed through the living machine, before finally being diverted into stormwater catchment.

Although the University of Maryland may have a home court advantage for the upcoming competition, now set to take place at West Potomac Park, we’re not going to hold it against them. The small home is split up into two modules connected together by the bathroom, which is where the water axis is located. This core water system collects rainwater from the roof and then diverts it to services in the house. The remaining rainwater and grey water are then processed through the living machine, before finally being diverted into stormwater catchment.

One half of the butterfly roof is covered in photovoltaic panels to generate electricity for the home and hopefully sell it back if the conditions are favorable. The other half is a green roof to help absorb rainwater and insulate the home. A solar thermal hot water system provides domestic hot water, while a ground source heat pump helps efficiently heat and cool the home. WaterShed also features daylighting, natural ventilation, passive solar design, an edible garden and living walls. The student’s from the University of Maryland hope to show that by using integrated systems, you can achieve far greater efficiency and much lower impact.

+ WaterShed at the University of Maryland