|
|
 |
National
Thousands Seek Plans to Build ''Katrina Cottages''
Chosen at the post-hurricane Mississippi Renewal Forum last year as the best alternative to Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers, the tiny ''Katrina cottage'' is becoming a national hit, reports Boston Christian Science Monitor writer Ron Scherer, with thousands of people seeking the stylish dwellings for starter homes, rental incomes or granny flats.
''It's resonating with people because it's a market that did not exist,'' says Katrina cottage designer Marianne Cusato, whose website has received more than 7,000 queries since January, some from abroad. Now, the national hardware and building supply Lowe's company will be selling the plans and materials for Katrina cottages in 30 Gulf Coast stores, its four models ranging from a 544-square foot two-bedroom unit to a 936-square-foot three-bedroom one. At an estimated construction cost of $45 to $55 per square foot, the cottages could be built for some $27,000 to $46,000 plus, not counting the foundation and labor.
''We're starting on the Gulf Coast, where the original idea came from,'' notes Marianne Cusato, ''but as soon as we feel the logistics are worked out we could go national.'' Her easily expandable design includes steel frames, fire and termite-resistant fiber-cement-board siding -- rated to withstand 140-mile-per-hour winds -- and front porches. ''If you live in a small house, you need a proper outdoor room,'' she observes. ''In addition to making the house larger, it engages you with your neighbors.''
Urban planners and architecture critics are enthusiastic, the writer reports, quoting Cambridge-based Lincoln Institute of Land Policy expert and smart-growth advocate Anthony Flint. ''Designers have done a good job with toasters and cars,'' he points out, ''and now they have done housing -- and it couldn't have come at a better time.''
The design timeliness is pointedly evidenced by Bridgeport, Conn. Councilor Keith Rogerson's research on the designer's web site. ''We have lots that are too small for a single-family, detached household, so the idea is to bring in these extremely attractive dwellings to provide affordable housing,'' he explains. ''We're also looking at reorienting the zoning so we can put them in clusters to stave off ghettoizing the city.'' -- Christian Science Monitor 10/2/2006
Click here to view the source article or
here to view the source publication.
|
|
E-mail
to a Friend
View
Printer-friendly page 
