These Make it Right Foundation homes built in New Orleans were the first of their kind in the area. Choc full of renewable energy solar panels, paints and flooring absent of VOCs, water collection systems, and dual flush toilet systems, it seemed that the Bradd Pitt-funded homes were a home run. And Perhaps they were as singular modular units.
As a Tulane University Alumn, I have seen the homes with my own eyes. No one can deny their beauty and innovation. They are fabulous sustainable homes. Even if they do dot the landscape like plastic leggos on a demolition site.
But sustainability is not an independent variable. Sustainability relies on all of its external and internal factors. Its working with nature, not ignoring it.
In Green/Sustainable building and design there are several things that a architect/builder/contractor must consider. Firstly, location, location, location. The ninth ward is NOT a sustainable place to live. Over 9 feet under sea level, and right next to water ways and Lake Pontchartrain, this area is a target for long standing flooding. So if a storm of epic proportions ever hit NOLA again which is decently probable since sea level rise is increasing, as is the average severity of storms, the ninth ward is the first place to go. Again. Regardless of how energy efficient/recycled content/water saving the homes are, nothing of that will matter if a giant wave of brackish water hits the homes like a brick wall.
No one doubts the horrors that the locals there experienced, which is why there is no one left. Which is yet another reason the homes are unsuccessful. They are inhabited by elders, with no businesses in the area. No restaurants, no stores, not even a supermarket. They community there is not sustainable.
The article highlights the use of a wood technology called TimberSIL, a non-toxic glass infused wood that is praised for being completely rot resistant without using any toxic treatment. The wood is backed by a 40 year garuntee. At this point, the structures have been standing for almost ten years, and rottage is highly noticabble. Now, I'm not one to critisize mistakes. I make them frequently and easily. However, I am a 23 year old young professional that knows pretty much nothing about anything except plants and partying. But the professionals at Make it Right should have considered their environment when building stairs and decking. NOLA is HOT AND HUMID. They should have used Black Locust.
It is important for people to remember when rebuilding destroyed sites to consider EVERYTHING. Sustainability is holistic. So sustainable professionals, think of everything... thats what you are paid to do.
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/remodeling-design/blogs/nontoxic-treated-wood-used-in-make-it-right-homes-starts-to-rot
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