Hybridizing Historic and Contemporary Methods to Realize More Sustainable Homes

Abstract

Hybridized building methods that integrate historic and contemporary methods and materials while simultaneously favoring locally sourced materials offer an alternative to the current trajectory of the suburban housing industry by prioritizing durability, craft, safety, and the environment above expedient profitability. Hybridization of building methods and materials from the past and present is symbiotic. The weaknesses of one building method can be offset by another. The claims of this thesis will be explored in part by hypothetically applying the proposed building methods in a large housing development that is currently under construction in Granite Falls, Washington, a place wealthy in locally sourced building materials.