News URBANbuild breaks ground
Tulane University School of Architecture’s URBANbuild program started the New Year by beginning construction of their most recent prototype. An enthusiastic group of fourth year students along with a balmy first week has set a quick pace for the construction of the third URBANbuild house. The students will be involved in all phases of construction, from the pouring of the foundation to the installment of kitchen cabinets. While most of the students have no prior construction experience, they will work together to complete the construction of the house by early May. This project, led by Byron Mouton, Sam Richards and Emilie Taylor, and in collaboration with local Neighborhood Housing Services, is the latest investigation into alternative technologies for affordable housing. The program objective is to help rebuild the city by drawing upon its cultural heritage and envisioning new housing types using modern building techniques.
The design is one of eight prototypes produced by eleven students during the fall semester, six of whom have returned to build full-time. Other interested architecture students have joined the group, creating a dynamic learning experience. The two story design totals approximately 1200 sq ft and consists of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Located on a substandard corner lot in central city New Orleans, the prototype can accommodate various types of families. Taking advantage of the corner lot, the house will have a generous front porch and public spaces near the street. Using a combination of traditional stick framing and Structural insulated panels, or SIPs, the group hopes to find a more efficient and less costly way to build affordable homes.
- Kimberly Lewis
Location:
1900 Seventh St.
Students:
Cristina Alvarado-Suarez, Adriana Camacho, Ian Daniels, Amarit Dulyapaibul, Nik Haak, Kimberly Lewis, Alex Mangimelli, Scott Mucci, Casey Roccanova, Carter Scott, Cassie Howard, Steve Smith
Click here to read the URBANbuild New Wave article
01.09.08
