The University of Texas School of Architecture is selling the BLOOMhouse

The BLOOMhouse was the UT school of architecture’s entry in the 2007 Solar Decathlon competition in Washington D.C. The house placed 10th in the overall competition, 2nd in the engineering category.

As the competition is based on principles of sustainable design and re-use, it makes sense to offer the UT entry up for sale. The proceeds will help the team fund their 2009 Solar Decathlon home.

Here are some of the BLOOMhouse specs listed on the website:

• House Dimensions = 14′ x 50′
• 6.6 kW photo voltaic array, inverter, battery system
• LED lighting
• Metal-faced SIP construction (R-30)
• Energy efficient appliances

The starting bid is $200k, not a bad deal considering all of the technology and design that went in to the project. It would probably be a great house for a remote property or a small infill lot. Here’s the floorplan:

For more details and information on how to bid here is the website:

Be sure to get your bids in before January 18!

Disclaimer: I can’t be certain that is is actually Austin’s ‘greenest’ house. There is not yet a commonly understood measure of greenness (LEED and Austin Energy are addressing this), and I am not aware of a ranking list of green homes in our area. In any case, I think you’ll agree that a Solar Decathlon entry is going to be the cream of the ‘green’ crop.