The Lagniappe House
Lower 9th Ward, New Orleans
A lagniappe, in southern Louisiana culture, is an unexpected gift or benefit – a little something extra thrown in as a show of gratitude. The Lagniappe House was designed with a flexible and functional floor plan that weaves together indoor and outdoor spaces into a tapestry of uses and possible re-uses that will enhance the owners’ lives for years to come. Green building concepts were applied throughout as evidenced in the building orientation, the selection of materials, the management of energy and water, and the features provided to promote passive survivability in the event of another catastrophe.
Much of the community interaction for the residents of the Lower 9th Ward, as in most of New Orleans, takes place on the front porches of neighborhoods – “stoop-sitting” as its known. The challenge with an elevated house is to provide a comfortable place that facilitates casual encounters when the main level is a story above the street. The Lagniappe House accomplishes this in several ways. A shaded driveway and wide inviting steps lead to an elevated front porch. Each resident will have the opportunity to choose from an “attached” or “detached” porch design with an “in between” courtyard also provides for additional landscaping and cross ventilation. An additional design option provides for a “flat” or “sloped”’ front porch roof design.
The front porch steps were designed as a “stoop” with lots of places to sit and “hang out”. Under the porch is a fenced in room where chairs and tables can be stored for front yard parties and crawfish boils. Included in this under-the-porch room is a double sink for storing ice and for food preparation. With these tools, the front yard and driveway can include more opportunities for front yard gardening and entertaining.
On the second floor, a more private family deck in the center of the house provides another room on the south side, which could also foster more communications with the next-door neighbors. Small rear decks are also provided for all bedrooms. All of these decks can also serve as an area of rescue in the case of emergencies.
