In the Spring Semester the Interior Design Sophomore Studio , College of Human Ecology , East Carolina University took on the challenge of designing houses that are sustainable and more varied than plans that might have been generated to date. This is in keeping with the University's committment to be a leader in engaged scholarship as well as community service. The students were excited that their work would be put to use. So what we offer here are 18 new plans for Habitat Houses that can be used by anyone who might profit from the student work. Each house has an imaginary family that the student designers kept in mind in view of the design profession that they will soon join is a service profession: there will be clients for all of the projects that these students will design as practicing interior designers. While these families are fictional , essentially placemarkers in the process of learning to design for others you are welcome to substitute your family, friends or members of the community for the prototype client and use the organizational or program drawings, the plans, elevations and sections and scchedules to extend the student work. We are at the end of our semester so we dedicate our efforts to your use. Hunt McKinnon Instructor of Record

1. Habitat For Humanity
The Landon Family
By: Kari Michalko

2. In the Spring Semester the Interior Design Sophomore Studio , College of Human
Ecology , East Carolina University took on the challenge of designing houses that are
sustainable and more varied than plans that might have been generated to date. This is
in keeping with the University's committment to be a leader in engaged scholarship as
well as community service. The students were excited that their work would be put to
use. So what we offer here are 18 new plans for Habitat Houses that can be used by
anyone who might profit from the student work.
Each house has an imaginary family that the student designers kept in mind in view of
the design profession that they will soon join is a service profession: there will be clients
for all of the projects that these students will design as practicing interior designers.
While these families are fictional , essentially placemarkers in the process of learning to
design for others you are welcome to substitute your family, friends or members of the
community for the prototype client and use the organizational or program drawings, the
plans, elevations and sections and scchedules to extend the student work. We are at the
end of our semester so we dedicate our efforts to your use.
Hunt McKinnon
Instructor of Record

3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• The Landon family consists of a set of parents, their two daughters,
and their two grandchildren.
• The oldest daughter, age 23, lived out of town with the boys and an
abusive boyfriend. Her name was Rachel.
• When she finally got the courage to leave, her and her boys, ages 3
and 5, moved back into her parents three bedroom house.
• The father had a low income job, while the mother did not work.
Rachel lost her previous job because she no longer had a sitter for
the kids with her boyfriend gone.
• Rachel and the two boys were sharing a small room, and the house
became very cluttered with little room for the boys to play.
• Habitat plans to provide a space that allows the family to be close
to each other, while also allowing them to each have their own
private and comfortable home to call their own.

4. GOALS OF PROJECT
• Allow family to be close in distance so mother
can watch the kids while Rachel works.
• Each family has their own private and
individual space.
• Allow plenty of space for the boys to grow into
and play.
• Use solar energy to reduce electrical costs for
the family.

5. JOURNAL ENTRIES
Week 1: Basic rectangular duplex was designed to house two families and room placement
was laid out.
Week 2: father was injured at work and placed on temporary disability.
Week 3:The youngest son celebrated his fourth birthday.
Week 4:Instead of being rectangular, house was decided to be at an angle.
Week 4: Rachel was hired as a secretary at a large company.
Week 5: House framework is completed.
Week 6: Sun space was added to the front of the house to provide solar energy and provide
the boys with an indoor outdoor play space.
Week 7: Excessive doors were placed on the front of the house to provide ventilation.
Week 8: The boys started kindergarten and pre-k.
Week 9: The structure is looking more like a home more everyday.
Week 10: Gutters were placed surrounding the roof top and were directed to drain at three
main locations. Three ponds were added to the site plan.
Week 11: Landscape and vegetation were discussed.
Week 12: Grey water systems were agreed upon to recycle inner waste water to water
vegetation and flush the rear located bathrooms.
Week 13:Design concept was discussed with clients for interior of space and design.

6. CONCEPT:UNITY

7. CONCEPT JOURNAL ENTRY
This past week I discussed the design concept of Unity to the clients. It is through
the concept of unity that all aspects of this house would be designed upon. I
explained that the structure itself unifies the family as a whole while also giving
them each their own private spaces. The interior of both sides of the duplex are
designed around a central space that will provide a gathering space that will allow
the family to come together for special occasions, as well as meals, etc. The sun
space is also shared by both sides of the home which enables the entire family to
enjoy the indoor/outdoor space together. The boys especially need a place to
explore and release energy with one another. I understand that the circumstances
of their situation have brought them very close and I want to provide an
environment that makes their bond even stronger. Also in the design will be a unified
color pallet, cozy furniture, and a homey feeling to the space that will enable them
to enjoy their home as a family. I want to unify them by giving them a space that
enables them to do family things without worrying about having enough room. When
I expressed these ideas with them they were very thrilled. Multiple doors link the
duplex together making it convenient and easy for the grandma to watch the kids
and help out with household chores such as laundry. Both mother and grandparents
have the privacy of their own bathrooms and master bedrooms that will enable them
to have a relaxing place to call their own. A main concern for Rachel was that it
would be too convenient for her parents to always be over checking on her, however
locks are placed on both the entrances/exits as well as the shared door linking the
living rooms. So she can easily send them away if desired. However, this was not a
deal breaker due to the fact that she greatly appreciates everything her parents
have done for her and wants to do this for them. As for the aroma of the house,
unity is definitely a concept she wants to incorporate and feels incredibly blessed
that she gets to experience this with her parents, sister, and children.

11. SOLAR ENERGY
• Thromb walls absorb heat during the day. It consists of a twelve inch
concrete wall that absorbs sunlight during the day and releases it at
night.
• The sunroom was placed on the south side of the home to absorb the
maximum amount of sunlight to heat the home.
• A dark ceramic tile will be used for the Sun space floor which will also
attract sunlight and absorb/release heat into the space.
• Several exterior doors and windows were placed on the front of the
house to allow sufficient heating.
• The doors opening towards the outside and the fans located in the sun
space help with air circulation.
• Solar Roof Panels and the thromb wall uses solar energy to both warm
their home and reduce electrical costs for the family.
• Ponds in sun space provide humidity as well as sufficient water drainage
for the home.
• Grey water from roof drainage into ponds is used to flush toilet in the
back of house as well as to water the vegetation surrounding the home.

16. SOUTH
ELEVATION
INTERIOR
ELEVATION

22. N

26. N
MODEL IMAGES