The goal of this semester long collaborative studio project was to design an affordable, tornado resistant Habitat for Humanity home. Since our client was Habitat for Humanity, we decided to base our design off of the concept of "Planting New Roots" and "Generational Wealth" while incorporating Mississippi vernacular elements. To encourage community, we agreed that we should incorporate wrap around porches on each home and place the houses on each lot close to the sidewalks. The location of the houses on each lot and the wide angled view from the interior public spaces allows parents to watch their kids that may be outside while also keeping eyes on the street to promote safer practices. To further our concept of "planting new roots" we incorporated tree-like columns to celebrate the front entrance of the house as well as engraved Mississippi vernacular leaves around the window and door openings. Allowing residents to have a direct connection to nature is a gentle reminder to these new homeowners to take great care of their homes in order to incorporate generational wealth. Another symbolic way to represent generational wealth as well as a tornado safe home is through exterior concrete walls. These concrete slender walls have a wood-like appearance and represent reliability as well as permanence for these homeowners.
Please enjoy this beautiful 4-minute walk-through video of our design to see the entire home!
