SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND THE BANK OF FAYETTEVILLE BUILD CUSTOM HOME FOR FAMILY IN NEED

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Students at the University of Arkansas School of Architecture, in cooperation with The Bank of Fayetteville’s Community Development Corporation (CDC), have begun construction of a low-cost, custom-designed 1,300 square foot home for a family in need in southeast Fayetteville.

The two-story home, designed by fifth year architecture students, includes three bedrooms with large closets, two full bathrooms, living and dining areas, a complete kitchen with space for major appliances, a washer and dryer closet, outside storage and covered entry porch. Additional amenities include custom-built display shelves and bookcases, 9-foot ceilings and unique window placement throughout the home to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

The home was designed to maximize square footage requirements and create spacious, function-filled rooms, according to Marina Skiles, one of the students who helped design the home.

"The students designed a beautiful custom home that is both economical and functional," said Eva Kultermann, assistant professor of architecture and co-coordinator of the studio. "We think the process of actually building the house will give these young architects a better understanding of their chosen profession."

Each student developed plans for a house based on a predetermined footprint and foundation. Other project specifications, like total gross square footage and space accommodations, were also outlined for students. Todd Furgason, of Gentry, originally developed the home design that was selected to be built. Furgason’s design was supported by Skiles of Fayetteville, Ladd Garey of West Memphis, Nick Koslowski of Little Rock and Marci Nutt, of Monett, MO. These students, and other fifth year students participating in the architectural design studio course, will complete design specifications and construct the home, which is expected to be complete by May.

"This is a great opportunity for our students to get experience beyond the confines of conventional studio coursework and to make a great contribution to our community," said Greg Herman, assistant professor of architecture and co-coordinator of the studio.

Funding for the home is being provided by the CDC, a division of The Bank of Fayetteville that offers modest-size homes for purchase for an individual or family who is demonstrably unable to purchase similar housing under current market conditions. Total construction costs are expected to reach nearly $70,000.

"Members of the CDC and The Bank of Fayetteville are very pleased to work with these talented architecture students in this community-minded effort," said Gary Garton, president of the CDC. "We are excited for the future of this project."

This will be the third home in southeast Fayetteville funded by the CDC. A fourth home is expected to be constructed next year in conjunction with the School of Architecture.

"The Bank of Fayetteville has always looked for ways to serve the community as well as the university," said Jeff Shannon, Interim Dean of the School of Architecture. "We feel very fortunate that our students have been given this opportunity to learn and to serve."

Construction is scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoon until May. The home is located at 484 Mashburn Avenue. To reach the site from College Avenue, turn east onto Rock Street and continue right onto Huntsville Road, then turn right on Mashburn Avenue. The site is on the right.