The Baine House is a reconstruction project of a single-family home as a prototype for healthier affordable residential renovations in the Mississippi Delta region.
This project begins with the renovation of one house in the southeast section of Memphis. Office of Basic Architecture (OOBA) and Hopscotch created preliminary design drawings for the 1,442 sf house. The floor plan is designed to fit an existing slab where a 1950s home was previously demolished. The proposal for the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house prioritizes functional design with affordability and health at its core.
Exterior Rendering, image courtesy of OOBA
OOBA and Hopscotch Construction are developing the design and will specify materials with the assistance of HML. The HML team is assessing and recommending healthier building materials, considering cost, performance, toxicity, and carbon reduction for inclusion in the specifications. The collaborative team is pursuing methods to create energy efficient envelopes that meet the evolving needs of the mixed-humid climate in Memphis. Through good design and craftsmanship, the goal is to create spaces that are inspiring and provide access for families to live in a healthy home.
“We’re encouraged by working with developers like Hopscotch Construction that not only care about embodied carbon and material health, but also aim to improve the mental health of inhabitants with generous yet efficient layouts, handcrafted construction techniques, and a design aesthetic that accepts personalization and a variety of styles.” -Will Randolph, AIA, lead project architect
Interior Rendering, image courtesy of OOBA
Section, image courtesy of OOBA
Floor Plan, image courtesy of OOBA
Renovation of existing housing is an effective response to reducing the carbon emissions associated with new construction. Specifically for this region, the healthier material selection and construction methods are tailored to the humid climate of Memphis.
"We need to think about longevity— where the material is coming from, who made it, what effects it has, what the embodied carbon is, and the continued implications." -Averell Mondie
Project Location
This project partnership began in 2023 with a community in Memphis, Tennessee. Averell Mondie, co-founder of Hopscotch Construction, spearheaded the project in collaboration with OOBA, local government support, and the HML project team. The project aims to transform affordable and workforce housing in Memphis.
The partnership plans to extend its impact beyond this initial pilot project home, applying the knowledge to larger-scale developments, including multi-family homes. The goal is to set a new standard for the design, construction, and renovation of affordable housing for the entire region.
Check back often for project updates!
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