Nonya Grenader is principal of her own small firm. She has taught at Rice University, School of Architecture for the past thirteen years. Nonya and Danny Samuels created a Rice Building Project called the Extra Small (XS) House. Although not “tiny” this is a well designed small house.

The Rice University students designed and built a dwelling of 500-square feet with a projected budget of $25,000. The goal was to use innovative design and construction techniques. To be built in a neighborhood of affordable housing. The idea was to build a modern interpretation of the shotgun-style structures from the Houston area.

Using an adjustable footing/foundation system that lifts the building off the ground and is also able to adjust to Houston’s expansive soils.

Hardiplank walls and metal windows were used instead of wood to reduce maintenance.

The core of the house is wrapped in polygal, this distributes light from the center of the house and its placement divides the building envelope into “large” and “small” rooms that may be furnished in a variety of ways.

The storage and services are collected in the thickened west wall and porches offer places for gathering, extending the interior living areas.

To view more of Nonya Grenader’s projects visit her website.

Photo Credit RBW

Interior

Construction

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