In the aftermath of destruction, where there is a wide-spread lack of housing, it is important to find a quick but long-term solution. The destruction of New Orleans homes during Hurricane Katrina brought about the FEMA trailer as a fast solution, but not a long-term one. A senior architecture studio at Clemson University, in conjunction with fieldoffice (a South Carolina design firm), founded ddbNOLA (Digital Design-Build New Orleans, Louisiana) in order to address this need, and introduced the Dry-In House. After graduation, the former students came to New Orleans to build the first Dry-In House for Earl Williams. Experiencing bureaucratic and financial setbacks, the ddbNOLA team remains dedicated to completing his house.
The concepts behind the Dry-In House revolve around sustainability, quality, community, and affordability. The idea is this: people who need architectural innovation the most often lack the resources to pay for it. ddbNOLA, through the Dry-In House, seeks to simplify the construction process to a point that community members, family members, and volunteers can help rebuild homes. The organization aims to create a long-term and sustainable solution, so that these homes don't fall victim to the next hurricane, and so that their owners can continue to live healthy and environmentally-conscious lives.
The Dry-In House requires a homeowner from the beginning. The construction process is based on digital fabrication techniques that allow the homeowner to participate in the design of the silhouette of the house, based around a standard floor plan and details. This way, the homeowner has the ability to make his or her house stand out in the neighborhood, while still maintaining affordability and respecting the New Orleans vernacular. The layout includes a large front porch for social interaction and openings located in positions to allow for cross-ventilation and passive lighting. The material choices allow for an automated and sustainable approach to homebuilding.
The structure is primarily made up of digitally fabricated wood trusses and SIPs (structurally insulated panels). The trusses run along the length of the home, to follow the silhouette drawn by the homeowner. The SIPs make up the floor, most exterior walls, and roof, providing a tightly insulated envelope and a simple and easy construction process. Another main wall is constructed using polycarbonate as sheathing - to allow daylighting and to provide a high insulating value. After these components, roofing, waterproofing, and environmental systems are in place, the home is ready to be moved into and the finishes can be applied as time and money permit.
The point is to revamp the inefficiencies in the construction process - to eliminate the amount of time that skilled labor is required on the construction site, to save time and money. It is about a high quality, well-designed solution. The process can operate as a community-building opportunity as well. Just as your neighbors helped you rebuild your house, you help your neighbors rebuild theirs. It is an opportunity for students of architecture and various trades to volunteer and learn about construction. It is a procedure that can be applied and reapplied over and over with a unique result every time. ddbNOLA believes that all people, regardless of income, should have access to smart design and a high-quality home, and the Dry-In House is a step in this direction.
Team members include: Vincent Vumbaco Melissa Vandiver Jackson Blalock
Photo Credits to: Sergio Padilla Vincent Vumbaco Melissa Vandiver
