Fall 2009 Group: Brad Tamborello, Beth Thacker, John Byler, and Cozette Kosary

Problem:

Design a community based off of a building system that is in a region of Texas. Account for community growth and sustainability.

Solution:

We chose the Piney Woods region of Texas because of its supply of pine. This availability of wood aids itself to a stiffened frame building system.We took the idea of a menu in which the client has total control of the building from start to finish. We have devised a method in which each room of a house can function on its own. The client is able to build the rooms themselves and if their program changes, they can order more rooms or ship back unwanted rooms. The next idea executed in this community is implementing a green design on the structure. This is accomplished by adding exterior roofing and wall components to the space. These components can be an array of things, for instance, the triangular component on the wall or roof can be a solar panel or a planter. The project also demonstrates the idea of community within the spaces. Public rooms are connected. This idea is implemented to promote interaction within the space. The building system also allows for placement directly onto existing sites. The building has low impact on the site and can be completely designed around and on top of existing structures. By doing this, travel to and from commercial spaces is minimized and the existing structures become green.

My Part:

I came up with the idea of a menu and allowing the client to pick the layout and design of their house. I also came up with the community interaction design and the idea to build on existing structures. I also helped construct the model and worked on graphic representation of the project.