Home Design/Build

Course Description: This course has been offered since 1980 and is the heart of our Design/Build curriculum. It is appropriate for a range of individuals, from the person who wants to "do it all" to the person who simply wants to be informed enough to have meaningful conversation with his or her architect and builder. Students will learn through hands-on construction projects, studio sessions, lectures, slide shows, house tours, and discussion. In the studio component, students are taught the design process starting with site analysis, programming, and design sketches, as well as through orthographic drawings and models. Then, as students participate in an actual building project, they learn the safe use of common hand and power tools.

Evenings are devoted to guest lectures, slide shows, and additional studio work. Topics covered include site assessment, estimating, basic engineering, design theories, and an overview of construction techniques. Environmentally responsible design and building practices are integrated into every aspect of the course.

The Home Design/Build course will provide individuals with the fundamental skills and resources necessary for creating their dream home- be it new construction or renovation. This course is also a good introduction for those interested in pursuing an architecture or building career. At the end of this intensive course, students typically leave with schematic floor plans, a scale model, and section and elevation drawings. They also gain a new awareness of design, materials, and the process of realizing a home that reflects their values and lifestyle.

Students' demonstration of mastery is primarily based on class participation in work at the building site and studio work on their individual design projects. In addition to their models and drawn plans, students will be evaluated by a jury of professional architects and builders on the oral presentation of their project in a formal critique process.

Course Objectives:

•  Comprehension of the Design/Build Process

•  Drafting Skills

•  Basic Tool Use and Job Site Safety

•  Site Analysis

•  Programming

•  Design Development

Recommended Readings :

Alexander. A Pattern Language

Connell, John. Homing Instinct

Silverstein, Jacobson, Winslow . Patterns of Home

Susanka, Sarah. The Not So Big House and Creating the Not So Big House

Ching. Building Construction Illustrated

Recommended Tools (optional):

Toolbelt

Hammer

Eye Protection

Hearing Protection

Carpenter's Pencil

Utility Knife

Combination Square or Speed Square

Leather Work Gloves

Heavy Duty Work Boots