Note: The following is an article titled: Trailer trash becomes upscale pad
By Tom McGhee, Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/22/2007 11:32:34 AM MDT
CU faculty and design students have converted a beat-up trailer that was headed for the dump into living quarters that would turn a LoDo loft owner's head.
A line of windows beneath the raised roof, paneling and floor boards give the interior a bright and cheery look. The design is open and loft-like with recessed lighting and a large exterior room is reminiscent of a screened porch.
"During the day you don't have to turn the lights on at all," said Peter Schneider, professor of architecture and associate dean of academic affairs at UC's College of Architecture and Planning in Boulder.
"It shows what you can do with the humble trailer, particularly when they get downgraded and need work."
The project, christened "TrailerWrap,"
was an attempt to increase the energy efficiency and livability of the mobile home. Icynene, a high-rated spray foam insulation and state-of-the-art double paned windows were used to keep heat in and cold out.
Recyled blue jeans were also used as insulation.
The project is a collaboration between Thistle Community Housing, the cooperative Mapleton Home Park Owner's Association, CU's College of Architecture and Planning and the Children, Youth and Environments Center for Research and Design.
Thistle Community Housing contributed $20,000 toward the project, and UC another $24,000.
The Mapleton Home Park, a cooperative set up to help provide affordable housing in Boulder, will sell the trailer, said Schneider. The proceeds will go to Thistle and UC to reimburse them for the money they put into the project.
Mapleton will then charge whoever moves in to rent the land on which it sits.
The asking price, about $50,000, is higher than that paid for other homes in the park, most of which are old, said Jonathan Machen, former Mapleton board member. He sold his recently for about $14,500.
"But there are homes across the street for a couple of hundred thousand dollars and this is built like a home," Machen said.
Staff writer Tom McGhee can be reached at 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com.
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1 comment:
I wish you would show inside pictures of the "trailer wrap" house. The inside is the most important part of the project. There is only one exterior picture of #81 green project that I can pull up. How is it working now after 2 years? Are there now other prototypes? Interesting idea.
chris
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