Yesterday I told you about some cool tiny Texas homes, and today I'm back with an amazing story about one Texas couple's vision to help anyone who wants to own a house to do so, with lots of hands-on work and about $20,000-$50,000. Phoenix Commotion was started in 1996 by Dan and Marsha Phillips, who mortgaged their house to start a business building affordable houses from free, salvaged, and recycled materials. The company caters their homes to the working poor, including single mothers, who need energy-efficient, affordable, comfortable homes. The homes are built with such unexpected materials as wine corks and frame samples, which are used in beautiful and innovative ways.
This program recently partnered with the program Brigid’s Paradigm, and built their first home together in Huntsville, TX. The next project will be a number of homes in Houston's 5th Ward.
To qualify for the project, potential participants must provide $500, good credit, and proof of a stable job. The homes are built by the future owners, along with mentors who help to guide the unskilled workers. A 1-person home will only be built at 240 square feet, which increases energy efficiency, along with the homes' uses of insulation, tank-less hot water heaters, and rain barrels.
To see a video about Dan's work, just read more.
Christian Dior
Temperley London
Luella
What a visionary. I love his creativity. I hope he sees much of his vision to fruition in his lifetime.
1Dan's homes are like artwork. He is so creative. What they don't mention in the blog is that he is a retired Dance Professor and that he also taught philosophy at the local University. His wife is an art teacher. A lot of thought, creativity and philosophy goes into his vision of each home. He is not only reducing land fill waste but creating a new vision of community. Thank you so much for writing about his work and sharing his vision.
Warmly,
2Sheryl Stringer
www.gaslanternandlights.com
How cool! Way to reach out to the community and make the world a better place! Awesome!!!
3He's a genius! Even though his homes are made from recycleable materials, they are beautiful! I wish there were more people like this person in the world, making changes for the better.
4Nice
5Post New Comment
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