I heard that these were so successful in New Orleans that they were reluctant to keep using them because people wouldn't return to their "real homes".

I think they are kind of cute and, frankly, probably a lot less toxic than FEMA trailers.

Wow, we Americans sure can spin tragedy to profit can't we?

The exploitation of the poor (and mostly black) continues.

public enemy #1

911 is a joke


get up and get get down
911 is joking your town
etc

wtf is with the Elisabethian furniture used for the interior photographs...

I'm not sure what I think about these, but I think they're definitely more interesting/optimistic and empowering than the FEMA trailers and other forms of emergency housing out there. I really hope they are good enough to occasionally substitute for older structures.

There's an interesting precedent in San Francisco of emergency housing successfully turning into permanent city fabric. Earthquake Shacks seem to have much in common with the potential of these little cottages.

Easy to build, small, and cost effective housing strategies that can be sourced and funded through a variety of ways seem like a better way to go.

but are they qualifying for LEED for residential?

I want one. I'll put it on an empty lot here in Baltimore.

$700?! That's some economic stimulus right there.

the $700 bucks is for the set of plans, no materials or labor

From the FAQ:

What is included in the cost of a Katrina Cottage?

A Katrina Cottage materials package from Lowe's includes all the products you'll need for the house from the foundation plate up. Please work with the Commercial Sales Specialist to customize the required materials for construction of cottage. The homeowner need only supply the foundation and/or piers, HVAC system, and furniture.


So it looks like it's plans and materials.

Yeah kinda, they're selling both plans and materials. But I couldn't find a quote for the materials package, just a promise that if you buy it you get $700 credit towards further items (thus making it seem like the plans are free).

I bought one and flipped it over and now I have a houseboat.

shit i got a home that i build for 1200$ so far. the most solar passive structure on earth.

More than a couple of San Francisco's shacks are still in use, 102 years later, having long since been moved to new sites and (mostly) enlarged and improved.

Shhheeeitt, you got the hookup, Antisthenes? Where them plans at?

I want one also, painted with gradients like the renderings...

Heh -- wouldn't THAT be sweet !