This is Thelma.
Thelma and her two teenage children, Tameshia and William, currently live in their FEMA trailer while their house is under construction. Thelma's mother, Mae Bell, worked with the Design Studio previously for her East Biloxi house, so Thelma came to the project familiar with the design and construction process.
Thelma needed a three bedroom house, with a bathroom for her children and one for herself. Because the house was required to be elevated nine feet, the exterior spaces became especially important as a connection to the outdoors; this led to design for the front and side entry porches, as well as a back balcony.
Thelma's house broke ground in February of 2008, and is a collaboration between the EBCRRA, Hope Force International, and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
3-28-08. Thelma and Tameshia have been very involved in the construction process, ensuring that decisions are made in real time.
3-18-08. Exterior framing and siding moves along with a constant volunteer labor force.
2-22-08. With the piers driven and the floor platform installed, framing work proceeds quickly.
11-29-07. Thelma's cleared site awaits construction.
Floor Plan
Front Elevation
Side Elevation