A new concept in Coastal housing... It can't get washed away.

by Mike Kravinsky

During the initial research for this story, a new kind of home to replace the ones where the Katrina ravaged houses once stood, I first read a couple of articles in the Christian Science Monitor and the Wall Street Journal. What I found most interesting is that these new single family homes called the Everhouses, modular structures, built with concrete wall panels instead of wood, seemed to get the most article comments from people who live in other coastal communities. They want one.  Builder's Harold McKenna and John Sawyer seems to of found a solution for not just the huge rebuilding issues of the Gulf Coast, but possibly a new concept of how houses that sit by all coastlines could be built.

Both men who are in their sixties, have made their careers in the home building business. They now felt it was time to give back. Originally, they thought the Everhouse could help in third world countries. After the tsunami they approached the Indonesian government, but it didn't work out. But then Katrina hit. "We've got a major disaster here in the U.S, and nothing is happening to solve the problem" says McKenna.

McKenna and Sawyer, with the help of architect Steve Mackenzie created the $68 per square foot single family Everhouse when they visited New Orleans several months after the storm. The cost of building them is half the cost of conventional home construction. Because of the concrete components, their Everhomes are wind, fire, mold and pest resistant. Even if the gulf coast had another flood, locals describes what would happen to the Everhouse as just taking a bath. Unlike the wood frame homes that were destroyed after Katrina, the Everhouse home would stay intact.
 
Similar to the way the Sears home of the early 1900's were built, the components of the homes are put together in a factory in Palatka, Florida. The parts are then shipped to the construction location.  Because of the way the components are made the shipping and construction are easy.  Even all the items that go inside the house, from the kitchen to the wallplates, and carpets are received in a shipping container. "This way no has to stop work to go down to the hardware store", says McKenna. He noted the container contained even screws and paint brushes. Every possible thing so the construction process doesn't stop. The shell of one of their homes can be erected in one day, the completed house can be ready to move into in less than 8 days.

Another plus is the cost to insure these homes.  Because they can survive hurricanes force winds and floods, the cost to ensure them is as much as 25 to 35% less. Insurers in the area say the average cost to insure a wood home that is susceptible to winds and floods is around $3500 vs a $150,000 Everhome which runs about $1355. The home uses recycled steel, making it very green.

Frank Corder, Pascagoula Mississippi city councilman, who has overseen the process of the Everhouse in his community says the home fits well, "it's very well constructed, both from an esthetic point of view and from a construction side... they're focusing on the green aspect."  Corder notes quite a lot of housing was lost from Katrina. About 95% of the community was flooded. The Everhouse is more practical than the traditional homes that were in the community as a replacement.

Currently there are 9 models of home to choose from. Even though the popularity of the Everhouse is growing, McKenna says they are keeping a low profile. "We have tried not to do any publicity until we're ready to go", says McKenna, "We hope to be underway by years end."

Sawyer and McKenna have also worked out deals with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The workers will be trained in the Everhome construction process, build them, and because they are working and making money, hopefully buy them as well. It's a complete circle.