Rising Sun Homes

New Orleans, Louisiana

Hurricane Katrina changed everything. Millions were displaced by the storm and resultant flood waters. Some chose not to return and others have participated in the rebuilding with renewed hope and faith. As is true in many disasters, the elderly are often the most adversely affected. Pastor Janneford of Rising Sun Ministries sought to provide new affordable senior housing on a site where up to eight feet of water stood during the worst of the storm. Studio Z created a design based on a traditional Old Quarter gallery style that could be built affordably using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS). This allowed the construction to be completed in less than half the time of conventional stick built construction. SIPS also provided the building with 60% better energy performance and the structural strength to withstand hurricane force winds. The Mayor praised the project by citing it as one of “Katrina’s Rainbows.”