Katrina Cottage

The 308 square-foot Katrina Cottage 1 was one of the smallest -- and most attention getting -- of the dozens and dozens of replacement houses conceived and sketched during the Mississippi Renewal Forum.

Designed by New Yorker Marianne Cusato with tall windows, a generous porch, graceful proportions and an anticipated build-out cost somewhere below $35,000, the captivating alternative to a bare-bones FEMA trailer landed on front page of the Biloxi Sun-Herald and became a hit with readers. They saw in it a temporary home they could inhabit with pride -- and later turn into a guesthouse or studio.

The tiny Katrina Cottage 1 -- now fully realized in bright-yellow plank siding, pressure-treated wood, and galvanized sheet roofing -- made a big impression as a special exhibit at the International Builders' Show, held in Orlando in January, 2006. Over four days, thousands were introduced to the potential to provide affordable housing of considerable character to those whose homes were demolished by Katrina.

Built by Jackson, Mississippi, builder Jason Spellings with design assistance from Mississippi architect Michael Barranco and donated materials such as fiber-cement siding from sponsor James Hardie, the cottage left Orlando for display in Ocean Springs on the Mississippi Coast, before ultimately being donated to a Mississippi community. One of the goals of the exhibit was to find manufacturers interested in building the cottages in significant quantities. Cusato is optimistic that this mission was a success. She and her colleagues are currently in negotiations with several manufactures. Once under production, these cottages should be available in a variety of colors and materials for around $35,000.

"The house is faithful to traditions, yet it's ingenious in how the storage is handled. You'd think you were in a much bigger space," said CNU President John Norquist. "It's no suprise that it's already starting to influence the housing market."

Mississippi Rebuilding

Katrina Cottage