Marlon Blackwell Architects

Porchdog House

Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley

PORCHDOG HOUSE

Marlon Blackwell Architect

ARCHITECTS
Marlon Blackwell Architect

PHOTOGRAPHS
Timothy Hursley

YEAR
2009

LOCATION
Biloxi, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The Biloxi Model Homes are affordable prototype houses designed for the Architecture for Humanity Model Home Program. The program provides design services and financial assistance for families in East Biloxi whose houses were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley

The proposition of raising a home up to 11’ above the ground introduces several issues that challenge the traditional notion of the Gulf Coast streetscape and affiliated porch culture.

Among these is the very concept of having a porch that is an extension of the interior space. In addition, the massing of a proportionally tall house speaks more of isolation than of the construct of meaningful social spaces through a series of houses enclosing the street.

Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley

The PorchDog addresses these challenges while complying with new environmental, structural, and FEMA regulations.

The Porchdog house is raised above the ground and essentially open at the ground level, but still incorporates a stoop that serves as a street level porch.

Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley

The only other ground-level elements are an entry stair, enclosed storage volume, a parking area and a stair descending from the rear deck.

The Porchdog house is a refuge that still opens itself to the social structure of the city, addressing the challenges of retaining a porch that is an extension of the interior space and overcoming the massing of a proportionally tall house, while providing the requisite protection from a potential Category 4 storm surge event.

Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley

Primary materials include all steel construction with exterior metal cladding, and bamboo flooring at the interior. Operable perforated metal shutters provide light control and storm security for aluminum framed window walls at East and West elevations.


Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House
© Timothy Hursley
Porchdog House


Porchdog House
First Floor Plan
Porchdog House
Second Floor Plan
Porchdog House
Third Floor Plan


Porchdog House
Diagram
Porchdog House
Exploded Axon


Porchdog House
Section

Marlon Blackwell Architects
T +1 479 9739121
Marlon Blackwell Architects
42 E Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States