[whataretheysaying] Mary Madigan: The New Ruralism

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Posted by Mary Madigan:
The New Ruralism
http://whataretheysaying.powerblogs.com/posts/1162844009.shtml


   [1]marianne cusato 

   Yesterday the New York Times did a profile of classically-trained
   architect [2]Marianne Cusato, who believes that a small space can feel
   expansive, if itâs part of something larger:

     Ms. Cusatoâs belief â that even a small space can feel expansive,
     if itâs part of something larger â has informed what has become her
     most important project thus far: designing a series of tiny houses
     for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

     Early next year, Loweâs, the home improvement chain, is to begin
     selling two of her Katrina Cottages as kits. A buyer will be able
     to acquire everything needed to build a house, from the ceiling
     trusses down to the last can of paint, in a single transaction.
     Prices will begin at about $45 a square foot, or $27,000 for the
     smallest cottage, according to Jennifer Wilson, a spokeswoman for
     Loweâs, which is based in Mooresville, N.C.

   According to this article in the [3]Christian Science Monitor, linked
   to by [4]Planetizen:

     "Now the designer has made a deal with Lowes to sell packages of
     plans and materials in four different designs ranging from 544 to
     936 square feet, that will cost from $ 25,000 to $ 50,000. Good for
     floods (no drywall) and winds up to 140 miles an hour. Selling at
     Lowes may not sound like a big deal, but in fact is a huge step in
     the prefab business- a major mainstream retailer selling
     architect-designed, well resolved solutions at reasonable prices."

   The evolution of pre-fab, mass market housing has been chronicled by
   magazines like Dwell, but Ms. Cusato's homes have an edge over the
   steel and cement solutions featured there. Most people just don't want
   to live in steel boxes. They want to live in a house that looks -
   nice.

   When nice is available, cheap at Lowe's, that's even better.

   [[5]Cusato Cottages Homepage]

References

   1. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1002/p01s01-ussc.html
   2. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/realestate/05habi.html
   3. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1002/p01s01-ussc.html
   4. http://www.planetizen.com/node/21459
   5. http://www.cusatocottages.com/index_content.html