Ree's Home
This home was designed and built for Ree Zinnerman by Rural Studio in Newbern, Alabama. The 680 square foot residence was designed to recreate and enhance Ree’s favorite memories from her old home and her connection to her family. Ree has lived on family land next door to her sister Geraldine, another recipient of a Rural Studio home, for over forty-four years. The porch and the space between the homes were designed to reflect the sisters’ relationship. Constructing the house on an elevated slab protects Ree from flooding, provides an integrated and defined porch, and insulates the interior of the home from below. The home was a team project, designed and constructed by two student teams over eight months. The research, design, and construction spanned two semesters. The first semester students focused on preliminary research, design, communication with the client, construction of the foundation, porch, framing, and plumbing. The second-semester students worked on the roof system, skin, internal systems, finishing, and landscaping. Cover image by Timothy Hursley.
Title
Ree's Home
Location
Newbern, AL, USA
Size
680 ft²
Date
2018
Faculty
Emily McGlohn
Typology
Residence
Institution
Auburn University · Studio V
Photos
Timothy Hursley · Jake Schirmer
Team
Third-Year Rural Students (Below)
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Warm tones and natural light create a welcome atmosphere inside and out.
The porch and the space between the homes were designed to reflect the sisters’ relationship. Photograph by Timothy Hursley, via Rural Studio.
Existing Conditions
An existing Rural Studio product line home, Joanne’s Home, was used as a starting point for the base drawings. Working off of an existing model allowed the teams to focus on improving details, meeting client requirements, and careful construction. Five weeks of research, client meetings, and documentation preceded the initial design. Ree’s original home, a 44-year-old trailer, was photographed, drawn, measured, and cataloged, along with all of her furniture and belongings.
Division of Labor
The construction documents and details were designed and shared by both teams. While all students participated in the design and construction, additional tasks were divided between student teams. My contribution occurred during the first semester. In addition to helping with design and construction, I planned, advertised, and hosted a benefit night at The Bean Coffee Shop in Auburn, Alabama, which raised the money to buy a new washer and dryer for Ree.