A new concept in living and working

Genesee County Habitat for Humanity, partnering with Kettering University set out to construct a new live/work development on an empty lot on the University Avenue Corridor in Flint, MI. The concept of live/work in architectural design is not a new concept. It’s a resurgent idea in some urban environments where the “shopkeeper” lived above the shop they worked in. Thus, “live/work”. Building codes were recently updated to accommodate modern conditions and Habitat intends to revive that entrepreneurial spirit in the construction with these units.

Habitat also wanted to take a fresh look at a modern design within the traditional neighborhood. The building design looks at modern materials, floor plan layouts, and new construction techniques.

Shipping containers were originally considered for the project but they fell short of providing a cost-effective way to construct the building. Some of the design elements echo the modularity of stacked shipping containers.

Part of Habitat’s use of innovative construction is the use of the “Superior Walls” foundation system. it is an all-in-one foundation wall with a concrete exterior face-shell, integral insulation, and metal framing studs. The system has wall bearing capacity and sits on an engineered, crushed stone footing instead of the traditional concrete footing. Wall studs are predrilled for passage of electrical wiring.

Recycled content materials we used throughout the building including metal siding and engineered wood. Energy efficiency was gained by use LED lighting, insulated windows and foundation walls, and lots of windows for plenty of daylight.