Architecture dept. builds eco-friendly home
By: Beth Spencer
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: News
The Department of Architecture is building a green house. No, it's not for plants. Instead, it's an eco-friendly home from floor to ceiling, known as TERRA.
TERRA, which stands for Technologically and Environmentally Responsive Residential Architecture, is a 1,700 square foot, two-story house in Uptown Memphis on the corner of Main and Greenlaw.
"The only thing I can say is that, in my more than 28 years practicing architecture, this has been one of the most rewarding projects I have had the opportunity to work on," said Jim Lutz, who managed the project before relocating. "I have worked on much larger projects, much more expensive projects, but nothing that is more important than this project."
TERRA will be completed in December. The garage will be used to showcase its different environmentally-friendly designs and construction technology factors for three months.
Once complete, the home will be open to the contractors, architects, students and the general public. It will be the site of numerous presentations, lectures, discussion panels and tours.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for students in the department of architecture to work on a building that is being constructed as a part of the revitalization of the Uptown neighborhood," said Michael Hagge, professor and chair of the department of architecture on campus. "This has provided them with 'hands-on' experience in 'cutting-edge' technology and will certainly benefit them as they enter the professions of architecture and interior design."
Faculty and students have been working and researching for seven semesters to ensure the house complies with the US Green Building Council's LEED evaluation system. Buildings are rated based on indoor environmental quality, material resources, water, energy and land resources.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System is based on a point system. Buildings that meet its criteria are presented with either platinum, gold or silver certificates.
TERRA, which stands for Technologically and Environmentally Responsive Residential Architecture, is a 1,700 square foot, two-story house in Uptown Memphis on the corner of Main and Greenlaw.
"The only thing I can say is that, in my more than 28 years practicing architecture, this has been one of the most rewarding projects I have had the opportunity to work on," said Jim Lutz, who managed the project before relocating. "I have worked on much larger projects, much more expensive projects, but nothing that is more important than this project."
TERRA will be completed in December. The garage will be used to showcase its different environmentally-friendly designs and construction technology factors for three months.
Once complete, the home will be open to the contractors, architects, students and the general public. It will be the site of numerous presentations, lectures, discussion panels and tours.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for students in the department of architecture to work on a building that is being constructed as a part of the revitalization of the Uptown neighborhood," said Michael Hagge, professor and chair of the department of architecture on campus. "This has provided them with 'hands-on' experience in 'cutting-edge' technology and will certainly benefit them as they enter the professions of architecture and interior design."
Faculty and students have been working and researching for seven semesters to ensure the house complies with the US Green Building Council's LEED evaluation system. Buildings are rated based on indoor environmental quality, material resources, water, energy and land resources.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System is based on a point system. Buildings that meet its criteria are presented with either platinum, gold or silver certificates.