Design Competition to Build Four New LEED Platinum Homes in New Orleans

To mark the 5^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, in conjunction with the Salvation Army’s EnviRenew program, the 2010 US Green Building Council Natural Talent Design Competition is offering the chance for students and emerging professionals to design a small, sustainable, and affordable home for citizens of the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans. According to an article on the competition, all entries are currently on display through the Open Architecture Network, and represent contributions from 31 host USGBC Emerging Professional Committees, which coordinated the local marketing of the competition and the first round of judging.

Each of the homes will be occupied by an elderly couple, and are to be designed to a Platinum level according to the strictures of LEED for Homes. Each home will be 880 square feet, be set 7 feet above grade for flood considerations, and will utilize Universal Design standards, all for less than $100,000.

The top four designs, representing the contributions of two students and two teams of emerging professionals, will be announced shortly. Each of the winning teams will have their designs built for local residents in need. The homes will then enter into a measurement and verification period, to determine the grand prize winner, a year after occupancy. During this measurement and verification period each home will be evaluated on energy efficiency, water use reduction, and indoor air quality.

In the article, USGBC staff member George Hayward, coordinator for the Natural Talent Design Competition national judging and implementation, spoke about the benefits of partnering with EnviRenew for the first time: "Through this competition, USGBC has encouraged students and emerging professionals to utilize and expand their knowledge of the LEED for Homes rating system while also working toward improving the lives of New Orleanians. EnviRenew's incredible efforts to rebuild the City of New Orleans will no doubt be bolstered by the submission of these designs."

For more information on the Natural Talent Design Competition in your area, contact your local USGBC Chapter and the Emerging Professional committee in particular.

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Chris Timmerman
Contributing Writer
Green Education Services
www.greenedu.com