Toxic Katrina Trailers

Today the CDC has reported that the air inside the trailers used to house displaced Hurricane Katrina victims contain toxic levels of formaldehyde. The levels inside the trailers can cause respiratory and other health problems.

Understanding fully the difficulties of housing such a large number of families — I’m I'm still left scratching my head. Hurricane Katrina hit the US in August of 2005. Why are people still living in trailers? This is baffling to me when there are a vast array of solutions to these housing dilemmas that are just not being utilized. Instead of adding to the chorus of voices criticizing the missteps of the past, I thought we would look at some of the options to improve the situation.

Brad Pitt and the Make it Right 9 project plans to build 150 homes in the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. They are off to a great start with 78 of 150 homes financed. You can donate to this cause on the Make it Right website and remember it’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up. There are some great designer green homes going up in the 9th Ward. They are really quite innovative including being built on slightly elevated stilts to aid in future flood survival. Check them out.



I have touched on Katrina Cottages in a previous post, but they certainly warrant a more in-depth look here. The Katrina Cottage 1 at 308 square feet is far from being spacious. It is, however, a real permanent dwelling that can be built for $70,000. The cost of this original cottage is less than that of the toxic trailers. It was intended to be a very inexpensive, attainable structure that could be later attached to a larger home. The plan is a great solution to get people in homes and allow them the opportunity to add more space later. These cottages are also available in a verity of sizes from the original 308 square foot up to a fully accessible version at 1,182 square foot. I also like that you can buy the kits — some are just pre-cut lumber and others are panelized prefab structures or the plans. The best part is you can buy them at your local Lowe’s.

Book Review: Modern Retro

In keeping with our recent Mid-Century Modern theme I have posted a new book review. The book review for Modern Retro: Living With Mid-Century Modern Style is now up on the Book Reviews Page. Check it out and don’t forget to check out the Mid-Century Modern Furniture Roundup page.

The Mid-Century Modern Furniture Roundup Has Landed

Today we added a whole new page with six chairs we all wish we had. The Mid-Century Modern Roundup page will eventually be a resource for all things Mid-Century Modern. We will be adding more furniture, manufactures, designers and retailers.

Stay tuned for some great Mid-Century Modern action.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Roundup

I'm excited to say I’ve been working on my Mid-Century Modern Furniture Roundup. Look for it to land tomorrow.

Small Space Folding Bike

Brompton Bicycles has been making its genius little folders for more than 30 years. These bikes fold down to a 10" x 24" x 32" package to facilitate easy storage.

The bikes fold and unfold quickly. They are not the lightest bikes; most models weigh around 25 pounds, but the weight denotes the quality of the build. The 16" wheels may look small, but offer performance similar to larger wheels — they have more strength.

Bike riding is all around good. It’s good for you and good for the environment. Anything that makes biking easier gets kudos from me. An easy to stow bike could be just the thing you need.

Small Space Coach House

Photo Credits Scape Architects

Scape Architects of London have nailed small. Their renovation of a tiny 648 square foot coach house brings a big feel to a truly tiny home.

The home is tucked away in a mews just minutes away from the bustle of London. A mews house is a type of stable with living quarters not unlike coach houses here in America. With space a premium in London, most of these small structures have been converted into living quarters.

The home is a 2 story structure just 18 by 18 feet. The home was fully renovated inside and out. There are huge windows that give the space natural light and an open feel, despite its tiny footprint. Every inch of the home was utilized so there is abundant storage with cabinets specially designed for Brompton folders — see next post.

This is another great example of people making the most of very little space.