|
With an unusually narrow lot width of 19-ft, a maximum 13 ft wide scheme was all that was allowed. This resulted in a 9600 SF two-bedroom, bath-and-a-half scheme. Nicknamed “Alligator” because of its “open-mouth” profile, the design is based on a very common traditional typology in the New Orleans area – the shotgun. This layout is where all rooms align in a single row, front to back, in order to fit the long narrow lots typical of the City. To overcome the lack of privacy for the middle bedroom that a shotgun typically demands, a set of rolling doors permits privacy and allows passage to the rear bedroom and bath. In older neighborhoods like Central City, the front stoop is key since so much community involvement takes place on the street. It’s the common gathering place where neighbours meet and entertain each other. For that purpose, metal grate steps stretch across the front of the house for casual sitting while visiting with neighbours. The street facade is clad in translucent white insulated plastic panels on each side of the stud structure. Between these panels, fluorescent fixtures provide indirect lighting both for the exterior and interior living room.
While considered low-cost, the budget still allowed for engineered hardwood flooring and ceramic tile in the bathrooms. The home, meeting hurricane resistance requirements, has insulated windows with an efficient thermal envelope to lower utility bills. Exterior walls and roof are clad in factory-painted, preformed metal siding for ease of maintenance and long-term durability.
|
Plan Magazine
