New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOLAHFH) believes in building more than just houses—they build hope, stability, and community. Rural Studio shares this belief, and it has been at the center of NOLAHFH’s recent collaboration with our Front Porch Initiative and with Thrivent, Rebuilding Together New Orleans, and United Way to provide a home for Anthony, a local Vietnam War veteran.
On February 4th, 2025, NOLAHFH hosted the dedication for their “Super Build Project.” This festive event coincided with the city’s Super Bowl celebrations, further amplifying the spirit of unity and support. The dedication ceremony featured a traditional New Orleans band and brought together community members, volunteers, and partners to honor the U.S. Navy veteran receiving the home. This project reflects the partners’ collective efforts all working toward a shared mission: providing safe, durable, and dignified housing for those who have served our country.
A Collaborative Effort
The team adapted the Sylvia’s House 2/2 prototype with minor modifications to fit the client’s needs, such as reducing it to a 1½-bath layout to accommodate a laundry room.
Acting as the general contractor, NOLAHFH oversaw the project, while Thrivent contributed skilled volunteers to aid in construction. With NOLAHFH covering approximately 50% of the costs through construction materials and services, Thrivent and United Way collectively provided in-kind contributions and financial support totaling $100,000 to ensure the project’s success. Rebuilding Together New Orleans also played a key role, offering additional support and volunteer efforts. And Rural Studio’s Front Porch Initiative provided technical expertise.
Initially, two lots in New Orleans were considered for the build. One contained a substandard structure requiring lengthy demolition permits, so the adjacent, smaller lot was chosen instead. Adjustments were made, including reducing overhangs, and the project swiftly moved through city permitting after receiving the site survey and Base Flood Elevation details (which showed the site to be only three feet above grade). One unique aspect of this build was the repurposing of pre-framed walls originally designated for another Front Porch project with the same design in Jean Lafitte, LA.
Groundbreaking took place in early October 2024, and it included demolishing an existing structure on an adjacent lot to serve as a staging area. Construction advanced quickly, with the foundation piles and the floor framing completed within two weeks. To decrease cost, the team opted to stick-frame the roof rather than use premanufactured trusses. By early December, all framing was completed, walls and roofing were sheathed, and exterior fiber cement siding installation was well underway.
The home achieved FORTIFIED Gold certification for hurricanes, providing enhanced resilience and potential opportunities for discounted home insurance. From an energy efficiency standpoint, the project also integrates several energy-efficient features from previous builds. Rural Studio is honored to be part of this meaningful effort and looks forward to continuing our work in creating affordable housing solutions that strengthen our communities.
