One of the Commonwealth's universities is paving the way to energy efficient housing, as recently covered by the Roanoke Times. Va Tech has entered in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathalon with their solar-powered home LumenHaus.

Virginia homeowners can take a peak at what the future may hold for energy efficiency and using solar power by reviewing the features and design of LumenHaus.

"Imagine the house of the future.

If it gets too hot outside, the house reduces the need for air conditioning by drawing its shade panels.

When temperatures drop in winter, high-efficiency insulation panels slide in place to conserve heat.

In fact, this house could brew your morning coffee and turn on your favorite music before you get out of bed.

Welcome to LumenHaus, Virginia Tech's newest solar-powered 'smart house' and the university's entry in the 2009 U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon.

The name comes from 'lumen,' meaning 'power of light,' and 'haus,' a nod to the Bauhaus architectural movement that inspired the new prototype."

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Check out Va Tech's smart house, LumenHaus.