KieranTimberlake was one of 13 architectural firms commissioned by
actor Brad Pitt to design affordable housing for the Lower Ninth ward in New
Orleans through the Make It Right Foundation. Our design is a flexible,
integrated system designed to accommodate a range of customizable options from
interior program to environmental systems to aesthetics. The proposed design
anticipates a transition from stick-built construction in the first generation
to local off-site fabricated subassemblies in later generations. The basic
structure and organization of the house is comparable to the chassis of an
automobile fitted with optional components and assemblies that vary the
specifics of its function and its appearance. Through selection of options the
house is readily customized to satisfy a range of conditions and desires.
Homeowners are encouraged to deploy this array of variables as they see fit. We
see this approach as essential toward re-building a neighborhood and not simply
providing shelter.
KieranTimberlake was one of 13 architectural firms commissioned by
actor Brad Pitt to design affordable housing for the Lower Ninth ward in New
Orleans through the Make It Right Foundation. Our design is a flexible,
integrated system designed to accommodate a range of customizable options from
interior program to environmental systems to aesthetics. The proposed design
anticipates a transition from stick-built construction in the first generation
to local off-site fabricated subassemblies in later generations. The basic
structure and organization of the house is comparable to the chassis of an
automobile fitted with optional components and assemblies that vary the
specifics of its function and its appearance. Through selection of options the
house is readily customized to satisfy a range of conditions and desires.
Homeowners are encouraged to deploy this array of variables as they see fit. We
see this approach as essential toward re-building a neighborhood and not simply
providing shelter.
As the process of construction moves toward a component based approach in the
second generation of implementation, each house becomes simpler to assemble,
customize and ultimately disassemble. As a construction system, this process
offers substantial improvements over conventional stick-built practices, not
only in terms of reducing on-site labor and increasing quality, but also in
terms of reducing waste and streamlining fabrication processes. Over time these
economies of scale will contribute to cost reductions that will allow the house
to reach a wider and wider market.
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