Environmentally friendly house in Memphis' uptown neighborhood is one of a kind

A project designed by University of Memphis architecture students recently received a Platinum rating from the United States Green Building Council. That project known as the TERRA House was completed earlier this year, and now it is a functioning home in Memphis’s uptown neighborhood.

The Platinum designation makes the house the first in West Tennessee to receive the rating. The house was designed to use significantly less electricity and less gas than a standard Memphis home of the same size. The house also uses less water, and it has many other features that make it energy efficient and earth friendly.

Derek Phillips, 28, who lives in the house with his father Monte Phillips, recently offered a tour of the house, which is located at the corner of North Main Street and Greenlaw Avenue.

“Everyone who drives by is gawking. It really is unique. They see the solar panels on top, and they know it is something really different,” Derek Phillips said. “It has a whole different look. … I like it here. It’s really a great place to be.”

The house was completed earlier this year, and it was purchased by Monte Phillips. TERRA stands for Technology and Environmentally Responsible Architecture. Here’s a look inside the TERRA House.