When Architecture Works: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche and the Future of Resilient Housing скачать в хорошем качестве

When Architecture Works: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche and the Future of Resilient Housing

In this episode of _The Comms Exchange_, architect Steve Rome*, partner at *VergesRome Architects*, joins host *Rachel Ledet and co-host Christianne Brunini to explore what resilient design really looks like on the Gulf Coast. Steve walks through the story of Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche*, a $9.5M *affordable housing community in Lockport, Louisiana, designed with Fortified Gold*, *Enterprise Green*, and *Energy Star certifications—and then tested in real time by *Hurricane Ida*. While surrounding neighborhoods suffered catastrophic damage, Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche experienced minimal impact, proving how intentional architecture, rigorous quality control, and sustainable building practices can transform hurricane preparedness and *community resilience*. The conversation covers how empathy, equity, and foresight inform good design, why certifications should be more than a box-checking exercise, and how travel, reading, and continuous learning keep architects sharp. If you care about *architecture*, *resilient communities*, *affordable housing*, or *climate-smart design*, this episode offers a powerful case study and practical insight. Key Takeaways Resilience as a design mandate: Les Maisons de Bayou Lafourche was intentionally designed for major storm events, showing how architecture can change outcomes in disaster-prone regions. Fortified Gold as a process, not a plaque: Fortified Gold, Enterprise Green, and Energy Star demanded strict documentation, construction oversight, and quality control from foundation to roof. Beauty and strength can coexist: Vernacular Gulf Coast design, front porches, and neighborhood-friendly aesthetics can align with high-performance, hurricane-ready construction. Collaboration is essential: Close partnership among architect, developer, and contractor kept the project on budget while honoring resilience goals. Community resilience starts with buildings: Housing that can be quickly reoccupied after a storm helps preserve jobs, social networks, and neighborhood stability. Quality control pays off: Careful detailing on roof decking, structural connections, and systems resulted in less than $4,000 in storm-related damage on a roughly $9.5M project. Lifelong learning matters: Steve credits reading, travel, and curiosity with expanding his perspective as a designer—and encourages young architects to do the same. Steve Rome’s Reading List: No Compromise: The Work of Florence Knoll https://a.co/d/b9xwEcu If Walls Could Speak: My Life in Architecture https://a.co/d/apskVS5 The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge) https://a.co/d/bkkOWL6 You Say to Brick: The Life of Louis Kahn https://a.co/d/3pgYQ2f   You can learn more about VergesRome Architects at http://www.vergesrome.com