Design Solutions for Development - Orchard Grove
Jun 21st, 2008 by rlsorbe
I was recently searching for architects on the internet, and came across some unique architectural structures by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects. From Mazama, Washington, check the photos of these rolling huts that were inspired by the owner’s need for space to house visiting friends and family. Nearly six feet above the ground, these low-tech and low-impact designs combine mobility, simplicity, and modern appeal. Located on a licensed campground with sixteen RV sites, the designers were able to provide mountain views inline with an eco-efficient concept, which brings the alternative community living into reality.
I wonder if it is possible to marry the idea of a mobile home and a rolling hut in the Orchard Grove neighborhood, creating an alternative affordable living pilot program for Boulder? Using concepts embedded from the Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architect’s project, in combination with a mixed-use development that could create more economic vitality to the neighborhood through shops, restaurants, and work spaces, as well as real affordable living. This style of development could alleviate the possibility of residential displacement and create an aesthetically pleasing new development, while still keeping with the idea of a mobile home park. If this pilot program were to be deemed successful, developer Jim Chanin could bring this idea to other neighborhoods facing similar challenges.
Concerns continue to grow at Orchard Grove with Chanin’s plans to build a, “a medium - density residential and mixed-use community.” Many of the current residents from these mobile homes are concerned that even if the rent in the new development is affordable, it will not be able to compete with the $350/month some are paying now, thus many will have to move outside of Boulder.
This idea may seem ‘out of the box’ and a bit un-realisitic, but if it worked - this design solution could bring social responsibility to many communities across the Nation. TrailerWrap is a great example of a design solution that addresses issues of sustainability and affordable design in context to the American Trailer Park, and in relation to high density and suburban sprawl. It is important we identify all our possibilities when creating development changes to a finite landscape.
I would really like to see some innovative ideas for this property. I lived in a travel trailer for over a year and I found that it was an extremely refreshing perspective. The outdoors becomes your living room literally.
I see a very good benefit to redeveloping this site.
What would it look like to incorporate the current occupants of the mobile home park into the future development. More than likely with a higher end product, you would attract a more diverse economic neighborhood.
I do not see the people living in this mobile home park excited about living in an apartment? I could however see these individuals excited about maintaining the lifestyle that they have, but refresh their house? This would probably take several discussions to understand this, but it could be really beneficial if everyone did not feel attacked or displaced at the discussion?
How about having the developers set up a sleeping space in the current mobile home park to get a feel for the people and how the space could be improved.
The process of development can often times be just as rewarding as the end product. It is difficult financially for all groups involved to truly enjoy the development process especially in Boulder. This is something that I see the city could help facilitate better, but it starts with the private individual having vision,direction and passion for a revived way of life.
hi-
i stumbled upon this site, and i’m tickled that folks are aware of the situation here in OG, and are thinking about possible solutions. especially “outside the box” solutions. thanks.
at the same time, i caution you against some of the missionary ideology i sense in what you write. that is, it’s crucial to first ask the natives what they want. having a “sleeping space” might be a little overboard, but i, for one, would be happy to host chanin or any of the city of boulder representatives for a night’s stay in OG.
personally, in the long term, i’d love to see OG homes shifted further toward sustainability and good design. this already happens, but perhaps at a less cutting-edge pace than architecture/design connoisseurs might hanker for. but such changes do at least come from within, and are affordable to the residents.
as for trailerwrap, as far as i know, no-one’s living in there yet. such design might look great in a magazine, but i sure wouldn’t want to live in it. the 1981 lancer mobile home i bought in OG, and then improved myself, beats trailerwrap on several levels. also, see this treehugger.com article for a quick spanking of trailerwrap:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/trailerwrap_con_1.php
cheers, jeffry (jeffryverse@mac.com)
The TrailerWrap project does look very neat and modern, I have not been inside, and do not know too much detail about this space (other than the hype on blogs such as tree hugger and josh spear). What are some elements that would deter you from living in a “trailerWrap-like” home? I’d also be interested in learning about the improvements you have done to your 1981 lancer mobile home, as others’ may be able use some of your improvements in their own homes.
Jeff,
Why is the trailer wrap unoccupied?
You mentioned that you would invite Chanin for an overnight?
I was talking with David Barrett with Barrett studios and he mentioned that he would take his VW bus and would sometimes sleep on the properties that he designed. He obviously is figuring something out as he was named AIA firm of the year in 2002. He is located over off pearl street next to Pearless tire.
What in your mind would be an improvement on your neighborhood? Obviously development is coming, but trailer parks offer a nice mix to a city.
hey Bob & Scottan-
something i’m not keen about with the trailerWrap home is the limited from-street/porch/front door privacy, and the static room-use design(ie. the bedroom is the bedroom and there’s pretty much one place for the bed). that said, it’s well beyond sufficient for a shelter, and many would be happy to have such a roof over their heads.
my improvements to my home were simple. i knocked out a couple of interior walls opening up the kitchen/living room, and creating a sliding wall/door for the 2nd bedroom, making the office more accessible and brighter for the inclusion of the hallway’s south window which now lights the office. well, there are lots of small improvements beyond those. i also re-floored the whole place with used and inexpensive hardwood floors from resource.
as for mobile home parks, the city council seems to be in strong support to retain this housing stock. i think there are several good possibilities for long-term improvements to mobile home park designs/layouts, but right now, we sure like orchard grove the way it is. as is, there are many ways orchard grove could be improved without radical change to the current homes.
thanks for the conversation, and sorry for the long delay. very busy these days… cheers, jeffry