Department of Architecture

TERRA

The award winning TERRA Sustainable Demonstration House was designed and developed by the Department of Architecture through the Center for Sustainable Design at the University of Memphis.  The name, TERRA, stands for Technologically + Environmentally Responsive Residential Architecture.

Located in the Uptown Neighborhood immediately to the north of the Memphis Central Business District, TERRA promotes environmental awareness in architecture and design, the construction industry, and in the education of the public about sustainability. The house was designed entirely by students from the Department of Architecture under the supervision of faculty and represents a community engaged partnership between the department and more than 50 businesses, government and non-profit organizations.

TERRA features energy efficient and environmentally responsible techniques, materials, appliances and fixtures. The house also adheres to the standards of the Memphis Light Gas and Water Division EcoBUILD program and the American Lung Association Health House program.  DPC Construction LLC served as general contractor.

Since 2009, the house has functioned as a temporary classroom for seminars offered to design and construction professionals as well as members of the public who are interested in learning more about the principles of sustainable design.

In 2010, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded TERRA its highest "green" rating, LEED Platinum, the first residence in the region to receive such designation.

The Department of Architecture continues to be involved with the TERRA project through an agreement with the owner to conduct post-occupancy monitoring of the various sustainable design features.