Green Mobiles

Mobile Home

One architecture professor is giving trailer parks a good name. Michael Berk of Mississippi State University has developed award-winning mobile homes so structurally sound and energy-efficient that they could potentially increase in value. They're equipped with energy-efficient appliances and roof-top solar photo-voltaic cells. And, they cost just about $50,000.

Berk calls them "Green-Mobiles" or "Eco-Cottages." He designed them with the sultry Mississippi Delta in mind: affordable and environmentally friendly homes, with south-facing windows and attached decks for outdoor living.

Then along came Hurricane Katrina. FEMA noticed Berk's creations and awarded him a $5 million grant to design disaster relief housing. FEMA also awarded him first place in its inaugural Lifecycle Building Challenge competition.

But Berk says his Green Mobiles aren't just interim housing. They're a solution for any home buyer seeking reasonable housing that's easy on utility bills and the environment. He's getting the word out to conventional home builders: It's time to put that trailer park reputation, well, in the recycle bin.

Script by Gail Davis

Discovery Links

To learn more about today’s topic, please explore the links below:

• Now, an environmentally friendly, energy efficient mobile home
• Ultra-Affordable, Modular Green Homes