Launch Slideshow

As of mid-2011, Make It Right has built 75 new high-performance homes within a 16-block area of the Lower Ninth Ward, restoring a section of this historic and vibrant neighborhood for returning residents after floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina wiped it away. Dedicated to working exclusively with existing Lower Ninth homeowners, Make It Right has succeeded in building not only homes, but also the dignity of families abandoned after the storm.

Case Study: Starting Over in the Lower Ninth Ward

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Case Study: Starting Over in the Lower Ninth Ward

  • As of mid-2011, Make It Right has built 75 new high-performance homes within a 16-block area of the Lower Ninth Ward, restoring a section of this historic and vibrant neighborhood for returning residents after floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina wiped it away. Dedicated to working exclusively with existing Lower Ninth homeowners, Make It Right has succeeded in building not only homes, but also the dignity of families abandoned after the storm.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD86%2Etmp_tcm10-962009.jpg

    As of mid-2011, Make It Right has built 75 new high-performance homes within a 16-block area of the Lower Ninth Ward, restoring a section of this historic and vibrant neighborhood for returning residents after floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina wiped it away. Dedicated to working exclusively with existing Lower Ninth homeowners, Make It Right has succeeded in building not only homes, but also the dignity of families abandoned after the storm.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Triumph From Tragedy
    As of mid-2011, Make It Right has built 75 new high-performance homes within a 16-block area of the Lower Ninth Ward, restoring a section of this historic and vibrant neighborhood for returning residents after floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina wiped it away. Dedicated to working exclusively with existing Lower Ninth homeowners, Make It Right has succeeded in building not only homes, but also the dignity of families abandoned after the storm.

  • To address concern that the neighborhood would sacrifice its front-porch culture in the name of raised foundations for flood control, many of the new homes feature a wider and deeper section of seating adjacent to the steps to the front door that encourages interaction at street level. Design by Adjaye Associates, Berlin and London.

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    To address concern that the neighborhood would sacrifice its front-porch culture in the name of raised foundations for flood control, many of the new homes feature a wider and deeper section of seating adjacent to the steps to the front door that encourages interaction at street level. Design by Adjaye Associates, Berlin and London.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Stadium Stoop
    To address concern that the neighborhood would sacrifice its front-porch culture in the name of raised foundations for flood control, many of the new homes feature a wider and deeper section of seating adjacent to the steps to the front door that encourages interaction at street level. Design by Adjaye Associates, Berlin and London.

  • The high-velocity conditioned air distribution system employs 3.5- or 4-inch-outside-diameter flexible supply tubes powered by compact modular heating/cooling air handlers to deliver conditioned air more efficiently. Supply tubes and 7- to 10-inch diameter plenums can be woven through the structure without the need to frame chases and feature subtle, wall-mounted outlet covers instead of grill registers. Fewer system connections reduce air and heat loss. Air handlers can be paired with a variety of equipment, including geothermal heat pumps. 800.527.0896. www.unicosystem.com.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD8D%2Etmp_tcm10-962063.jpg

    The high-velocity conditioned air distribution system employs 3.5- or 4-inch-outside-diameter flexible supply tubes powered by compact modular heating/cooling air handlers to deliver conditioned air more efficiently. Supply tubes and 7- to 10-inch diameter plenums can be woven through the structure without the need to frame chases and feature subtle, wall-mounted outlet covers instead of grill registers. Fewer system connections reduce air and heat loss. Air handlers can be paired with a variety of equipment, including geothermal heat pumps. 800.527.0896. www.unicosystem.com.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Mini-Duct Air Distribution
    The high-velocity conditioned air distribution system employs 3.5- or 4-inch-outside-diameter flexible supply tubes powered by compact modular heating/cooling air handlers to deliver conditioned air more efficiently. Supply tubes and 7- to 10-inch diameter plenums can be woven through the structure without the need to frame chases and feature subtle, wall-mounted outlet covers instead of grill registers. Fewer system connections reduce air and heat loss. Air handlers can be paired with a variety of equipment, including geothermal heat pumps. 800.527.0896. www.unicosystem.com.

  • The AstroGuard Hurricane Fabric system features a high-strength, high-tenacity ballistic nylon that attaches to pre-installed anchors. The system alleviates the premium cost of impact-resistant laminated windows and/or wind-rated shutters, while the lightweight fabric features a high burst strength rating that resists wind, water, and flying debris in a Category 5 hurricane and folds up for easy storage. Its much easier than trying to nail or screw in panels of plywood over your windows, product coordinator Cesar Rodriguez says. 855.336.6040. www.hurricaneprotection.net.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD90%2Etmp_tcm10-962089.jpg

    The AstroGuard Hurricane Fabric system features a high-strength, high-tenacity ballistic nylon that attaches to pre-installed anchors. The system alleviates the premium cost of impact-resistant laminated windows and/or wind-rated shutters, while the lightweight fabric features a high burst strength rating that resists wind, water, and flying debris in a Category 5 hurricane and folds up for easy storage. Its much easier than trying to nail or screw in panels of plywood over your windows, product coordinator Cesar Rodriguez says. 855.336.6040. www.hurricaneprotection.net.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Hurricane Fabric
    The AstroGuard Hurricane Fabric system features a high-strength, high-tenacity ballistic nylon that attaches to pre-installed anchors. The system alleviates the premium cost of impact-resistant laminated windows and/or wind-rated shutters, while the lightweight fabric features a high burst strength rating that resists wind, water, and flying debris in a Category 5 hurricane and folds up for easy storage. “It’s much easier than trying to nail or screw in panels of plywood over your windows,” product coordinator Cesar Rodriguez says. 855.336.6040. www.hurricaneprotection.net.

  • Designed by Thom Mayne at Morphosis Architects in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the UCLA Architecture and Urban Design graduate program, the FLOAT House sits at ground level thanks to its innovative prefabricated polystyrene foam-and-shotcrete chassis.

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    Designed by Thom Mayne at Morphosis Architects in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the UCLA Architecture and Urban Design graduate program, the FLOAT House sits at ground level thanks to its innovative prefabricated polystyrene foam-and-shotcrete chassis.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Designed by Thom Mayne at Morphosis Architects in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the UCLA Architecture and Urban Design graduate program, the FLOAT House sits at ground level thanks to its innovative prefabricated polystyrene foam-and-shotcrete chassis.

  • Make It Right sources its solar panels from a wide range of manufacturers through local distribution channels, in part to spread the wealth but also to effectively test systems and report results back to the suppliers and the local utility. The foundation also established a for-profit solar division to optimize state and federal tax credits and other financial incentives and act as a knowledge base and liaison for other builders and developers.

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    Make It Right sources its solar panels from a wide range of manufacturers through local distribution channels, in part to spread the wealth but also to effectively test systems and report results back to the suppliers and the local utility. The foundation also established a for-profit solar division to optimize state and federal tax credits and other financial incentives and act as a knowledge base and liaison for other builders and developers.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Solar Panels
    Make It Right sources its solar panels from a wide range of manufacturers through local distribution channels, in part to spread the wealth but also to effectively test systems and report results back to the suppliers and the local utility. The foundation also established a for-profit solar division to optimize state and federal tax credits and other financial incentives and act as a knowledge base and liaison for other builders and developers.

  • Hydromedia allows storm runoff to rapidly filter back into the groundwater while providing the durability necessary for residential streets, driveways, and parking lots. The material experiences minimal compaction and does away with street drainage systems to minimize municipal road maintenance costs and enable narrower streets for a more efficient use of land. It also eliminates standing water and ice formation for greater safety and durability. It helps change the perception of water from a negative into a positive in this neighborhood, Rodriguez says. 703.480.3600. www.lafargenorthamerica.com.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD91%2Etmp_tcm10-962097.jpg

    Hydromedia allows storm runoff to rapidly filter back into the groundwater while providing the durability necessary for residential streets, driveways, and parking lots. The material experiences minimal compaction and does away with street drainage systems to minimize municipal road maintenance costs and enable narrower streets for a more efficient use of land. It also eliminates standing water and ice formation for greater safety and durability. It helps change the perception of water from a negative into a positive in this neighborhood, Rodriguez says. 703.480.3600. www.lafargenorthamerica.com.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Pervious Street Paving
    Hydromedia allows storm runoff to rapidly filter back into the groundwater while providing the durability necessary for residential streets, driveways, and parking lots. The material experiences minimal compaction and does away with street drainage systems to minimize municipal road maintenance costs and enable narrower streets for a more efficient use of land. It also eliminates standing water and ice formation for greater safety and durability. “It helps change the perception of water from a negative into a positive in this neighborhood,” Rodriguez says. 703.480.3600. www.lafargenorthamerica.com.

  • The Verve system features hard-wired central panels that can control up to 10 wireless and battery-less light switches and/or receptacles from as far away as 300 feet to serve multiple areas of the house. It really cuts down on the electricians labor and the potential for running wire to the wrong location, especially for a house built using SIPs, Rodriguez says. The wireless and dimmable switches are clipped into wall-mounted brackets to enable mobility. And if you dont like where the switch is or what it does, you can move it and reprogram it at the controller, Rodriguez adds. 877.874.8774. www.vervelivingsystems.com.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD8C%2Etmp_tcm10-962057.jpg

    The Verve system features hard-wired central panels that can control up to 10 wireless and battery-less light switches and/or receptacles from as far away as 300 feet to serve multiple areas of the house. It really cuts down on the electricians labor and the potential for running wire to the wrong location, especially for a house built using SIPs, Rodriguez says. The wireless and dimmable switches are clipped into wall-mounted brackets to enable mobility. And if you dont like where the switch is or what it does, you can move it and reprogram it at the controller, Rodriguez adds. 877.874.8774. www.vervelivingsystems.com.

    600

    Sara Essex Bradley

    Wireless Lighting Controls
    The Verve system features hard-wired central panels that can control up to 10 wireless and battery-less light switches and/or receptacles from as far away as 300 feet to serve multiple areas of the house. “It really cuts down on the electrician’s labor and the potential for running wire to the wrong location, especially for a house built using SIPs,” Rodriguez says. The wireless and dimmable switches are clipped into wall-mounted brackets to enable mobility. “And if you don’t like where the switch is or what it does, you can move it and reprogram it at the controller,” Rodriguez adds. 877.874.8774. www.vervelivingsystems.com.

  • EnviroGuard is a waterproof sealant, applied to dimensional lumber prior to installation, that provides protection against moisture intrusion, mold growth, pests, and rot. The water-based liquid silicon rubber coating offers a non-toxic solution. Applied at the distributor or lumber supplier or on-site with a sprayer, roller, or brush, its guaranteed to protect any porous surface, including concrete and masonry, for 10 years, the manufacturer says. www.enviroguard.co.nz. House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

    http://www.builderonline.com/Images/tmpD8A%2Etmp_tcm10-962041.jpg

    EnviroGuard is a waterproof sealant, applied to dimensional lumber prior to installation, that provides protection against moisture intrusion, mold growth, pests, and rot. The water-based liquid silicon rubber coating offers a non-toxic solution. Applied at the distributor or lumber supplier or on-site with a sprayer, roller, or brush, its guaranteed to protect any porous surface, including concrete and masonry, for 10 years, the manufacturer says. www.enviroguard.co.nz. House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    Treated Lumber
    EnviroGuard is a waterproof sealant, applied to dimensional lumber prior to installation, that provides protection against moisture intrusion, mold growth, pests, and rot. The water-based liquid silicon rubber coating offers a non-toxic solution. Applied at the distributor or lumber supplier or on-site with a sprayer, roller, or brush, it’s guaranteed to protect any porous surface, including concrete and masonry, for 10 years, the manufacturer says. www.enviroguard.co.nz. House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

  • House design by Trahan Architects, Baton Rouge, La.

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    House design by Trahan Architects, Baton Rouge, La.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    House design by Trahan Architects, Baton Rouge, La.

  • Make it Right, New Orleans

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    Make it Right, New Orleans

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    House design by Make it Right, New Orleans.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    House design by Make it Right, New Orleans.

  • House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

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    House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

  • House design by KieranTimberlake, Philadelphia.

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    House design by KieranTimberlake, Philadelphia.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    House design by KieranTimberlake, Philadelphia.

  • House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

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    House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

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    Sara Essex Bradley

    House design by Billes Architecture, New Orleans, La.

I’m in New Orleans to report on the Make It Right Foundation and its efforts to build sustainable homes in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward, a neighborhood devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The foundation is a non-profit created by film actor and amateur architect Brad Pitt with architect and Cradle to Cradle advocate William McDonough and Graft, a Los Angeles-based multi-disciplinary architectural firm.

My goal is to find out how the design, specifications, and construction practices that enable Make It Right to produce LEED-Platinum new homes and sell them for $150,000 to low-income families might translate to the mainstream of green building, as well as how homeowners are adapting to and optimizing the efficiencies built into their homes. Is Make It Right a real-world application or a promotional aberration?

After only a few hours on the ground, I can report that it is neither. It is, simply stated, a better approach to creating successful, sustainable neighborhoods. Or, in the case of the Lower Ninth Ward, recreating.

Before Aug. 29, 2005, many of the 5,000 or so houses that packed the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans had been passed down from one generation to the next for decades, a tradition that resulted in the highest homeownership rate in the city despite the neighborhood’s minority, working-class profile.

Tennessee Street on a Friday afternoon resembled a block party, with kids playing in the street and neighbors chatting in their yards and greeting each other from their front porches. It was as vibrant and sustainable a neighborhood as anyone could define or conjure.

And then it was gone. The storm surge from Hurricane Katrina’s landfall crested or broke through the trio of levees that bordered the Lower Ninth Ward and swept it away.

Flash forward to the six-year anniversary of that tragedy. What remains are mostly symbols of the neighborhood’s past: concrete and brick stoops act as tombstones marking the homes they used to serve; signs denote the intersections of a vast grid of streets that are still buckled and pocked by the flood, and mostly empty.

That is, except for the northwest corner of the neighborhood, bordered by North Claiborne Avenue, the main thoroughfare into and along the Lower Ninth Ward, and Jourdan Avenue, which runs along the Industrial Canal levee that couldn’t hold back the storm surge. This is the epicenter of the flood, where all but a handful of the 350 homes built there were completely destroyed even before the city bulldozed the rest.