Last night we attended a meeting for the AIA ( American Institute of Architects) Cleveland Chapter. The evening was held at the Habitat for Humanity location on W. 110th. Despite the sudden downpour and clapping of thunder (the lights even went out at one point for a second) the air in the room was upbeat and friendly. It was no surprise that everyone was so upbeat, they had great things to say. The AIA is launching a new contest that is open to newer architects. It is the Affordable Green Home Design Competition. The idea is to submit a design for a green home at one of 3 different locations around the state. Easy, right? Not so fast…these homes have to be affordable and reach certain green levels. Basically the homes are going to be built by Habitat for Humanity and will be a great way to get newer architects to think outside the box. It will require the focus necessary to reduce waste and build properly, so that the homes can be built for about $100,000. The winners will be chosen by fall and awards given in December. The plans will then be used to build these green homes and further used as prototypes for future home building by Habitat for Humanity. I was thrilled to hear all the things that were talked about over the course of the evening. Joshua Lloyd, of Phillip Markwood Architects, was there to kick off the program. As he explained, these homes are for people who most need the energy savings and will aid in helping families to save on utilities. Bruce Jackson of Square One Architects explained how the Cleveland location was infill in the Fairfax neighborhood. He talked about all the great things that were going on to help residents and future development for this under served area of our city. The entire talk was fascinating and gave me hope for an area of town that is often overlooked. The talk was finished up by the head builder from Habitat for Humanity in Cleveland, Thomas Meyer. His knowledge was boundless and he was fascinating to listen to. He spoke of the energy efficiency of the homes they are currently building and how as they move forward, their goals for increased efficiency and sustainability. He also pointed out how much work goes into the planning of a HforH home, as the need for exact guidelines is essential-remember many of the volunteers that build these homes barely know what a hammer even is! The evening was concluded by a tour of the ReStore.
I have mentioned the ReStore before, but little did I know just what was in store for me when I got there. Not only was there a great selection of used cabinets and light fixtures, there was furniture, tools, great doors, tiles, adhesives, even monster cables. The store is open to the public on Fridays (10-5) and Saturdays (9-1) at 2110 West 110th Street, Cleveland. Stop here first before heading to Home Depot down the road. You may just find the spindles, sink or even the counter top for a huge discount. I know that the idea conjures up images of Goodwill or Salvation Army, but nothing could be farther from the truth. There was a great granite counter top for under $300 bucks! Polished, finished, and ready to install! While the tools may be gently used, they may be brand new and the amount of building products in their original packaging was astounding! But it is more than just buying, bring them your old tools and building materials. If they can use them to build their homes, they will. If not, they will sell them and use the money to build houses. This is recycling with a purpose. Of course they are always taking monetary donations as well, but I am always concerned with the toilet by the curb that is going into landfill. Why not drop it off so it can help these guys do their good works? Visit the Restore site for information on donating. The tool drive is on now! This is from Jeffrey Bowen, the Executive Director:
The attached link provides all of the information that one requires to get a tool drive going, provides posters, fliers, and includes multiple releases as well: http://www.clevelandhabitat.org/Restore/ToolKit.html
I will also be happy to answer any questions.
One individual drives are completed, we urge groups to assemble volunteers to deliver the donations to Habitat during our normal drop-off hours on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. If they end up with larger items such as cabinets, sinks, etc. and do not have access to a truck, folks can contact us to schedule a pick-up.
Please see our website for details: http://www.clevelandhabitat.org/Restore/Donate.html
Thank you, again, for helping us to help others…
I’ve been out of architecture school for 7 years now and out of the business for the last 4 years. I miss it and I think your blog will be like crack for me.
Damn, I think an intervention will be on it’s way sooner or later.
I will call the therapist and have him on stand by.