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The Lagniappe House
Make It Right Foundation, Lower 9th Ward
New Orleans, LA
2008
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 included in the first round of single family residences designed for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation in the heavily damaged Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. Designed with a flexible floor plan, The Lagniappe House weaves together indoor and outdoor spaces, giving homeowners public areas for socializing with neighbors and private areas in which to live.
The goal of Make It Right is to provide Lower 9th Ward residents with affordable, energy efficient housing designed by contemporary architects that also will resist future flooding. From the selection of ecologically sustainable materials, efficient energy and water management systems, and emphasis on neighborhood connection, The Lagniappe House references traditional New Orleans housing while integrating contemporary design elements.
The Lagniappe House was the most popular design chosen by the Make It Right Foundation’s Lower 9th Ward residents. Two versions of the Lagniappe House are complete, with a third model currently under construction.
