Incremental rebuilding strategies to reduce displacement are outlined in a new HUD-funded report as Hurricane Isaac churns towards New Orleans. A short video primer (http://youtu.be/rZi_OFM9ipw) and full report, Strategies for Incremental Reconstruction of Disaster Damaged Homes are available at www.newportpartnersllc.com.
A wide range of options for rebuilding is presented including:
- selecting appropriate home designs and types of construction (wood framed, steel or modular);
- modifying local building codes;
- encouraging use of certain building materials;
- requiring high-level energy-efficiency, adaptability and sustainability standards; and
- adopting the latest wind and flood protection systems.
The project’s primary focus is building a small modular unit on what formerly was the slab of the original home’s garage so displaced families could return to their homes while the remainder of their home is rebuilt or constructed from scratch around their temporary quarters. Once construction is complete, the smaller unit on the slab could become separate living quarters, a rental unit or converted back into a garage with a loft overhead.