Promoting Equity through Housing

Dennehotso Sweat Equity Program 2017

Guiding Principals
BACKGROUND
This housing design was developed
by the students and faculty of
DesignBuildBLUFF in collaboration
with the Dennehotso Sweat Equity
Project. The concept of sweat equity
is one in which the client uses their
own labor ("effort and toil"), rather
than cash, as form of contribution in
the building process. As there is an
overwhelming need for affordable and
culturally appropriate housing within
Navajo, more than DesignBuildBLUFF
can meaningfully contribute to on its
own, sweat equity provides families
the opportunity to enhance their own
quality of life through labor rather
than funds. This design coupled with
those efforts creates opportunities
to more directly address the issue
of homelessness across the entire
Navajo nation.
FLEXIBILITY OF THE SHED
Considering the possibility of
families building their own homes,
the primary considerations in design
development were:
1. EASE OF CONSTRUCTION
2. MATERIAL AVAILABILITY
3. EXPANSION THROUGH PHASES
Our moment of innovation happened
through a framing exercise which
examined efficient use of material
while still seeking beautiful forms.
Understanding that the process of
assembly needed to be simple in
order for our clients to meaningfully
participate in the construction
required that the design remain
straightforward. Beginning with
the form of a small shed structure
(single pitch), the design duplicates
that form and mirrors it along an
axis to expand into a larger volume.
This final form, a combination of
two joined shed structures, could be
configured in multiple ways (gable,
butterfly, and so on), and if shifted
imply the possibility for continual
expansion. Using two matching shed
structures as a starting point, and
then shifting the volumes along a
central axis, we were able to define
public from private halves, break up
the traditional gable roof form, and
most importantly, create expansion
zones in the resulting spaces.
Through this lens, the design serves
as a prototype. It models simple
construction methods while also
providing for flexibility depending on
the client’s needs and site.
PROGRAMMING
Functionally, one half of the building
(the first shed) contains private
rooms and a plumbing core with
bathroom and kitchen bar on either
side; the other half (the first addition)
is an open plan, intended to serve
as a living room, gathering space,
and hearth. This public half echoes
Navajo concepts found in the hogan,
where families carry out traditional
ceremonies and also gather for
cultural events. The foundation
system is also split: the private half
is a poured concrete slab, the public
half utilizes a concrete stem wall
filled with an adobe earthen floor.
Using natural building techniques in
moments creates the opportunity for
the client to additionally gain skills
that speak to traditional culture.
Flexibility
POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS

SINGLE NO OFFSET OFFSET 8' OFFSET 10' OFFSET 12'

14' x 28'

16' x 24'

16' x 26'

16 ft. is the maximum width of a structure that can be transported on a trailer.

Phasing
2 HALVES + OPTIONS FOR EXPANSION BASIC FLOOR PLAN (2 BEDROOM)
10.0000 26.0000

BATHROOM BEDROOM
CONCRETE PRIVATE:
SLAB CONTAINS UTILITIES PLUMBING

KITCHEN BEDROOM

EARTHEN PUBLIC:
FLOOR FLEXIBLE SPACE

CONCRETE
STEM WALL

PHASING
1. 2. 3.
Expansion
STRUCTURAL LOAD LOAD-BEARING WALLS NON-LOAD-BEARING WALLS

EXPANSION ZONES GUIDELINES FOR NEW OPENINGS

10.0000 26.0000

EXPANSION
ZONE 3

EXPANSION LOAD BEARING

ZONE 1

EXPANSION
ZONE 2

Expansion can start within the existing Expand primarily through non-load-bearing walls.
structure by building interior walls. No openings wider than 4 ft in load-bearing walls.
Habitation Studies

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED: ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF

A104 DSEP PROTOTYPE FLEXIBILITY LAYOUT B

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE FLEXIBILITY LAYOUTS A 210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
(801) 581-8617
01 DECEMBER 2016
(801) 581-8617

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Habitation Studies

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED: ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A106
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE FLEXIBILITY LAYOUT C
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE FLEXIBILITY LAYOUT D
(801) 581-8617 (801) 581-8617

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Modularity: Framing
The intent of this system is to have
a comprehensive library of wall
modules that will allow designers,
consultants, and homeowners to
accurately, effectively, and efficiently
lay out the perimeter of any floor
plan. A modular system removes the
need for time-intensive processes
such as calculating material use
and determining stud placement. To
further increase ease of construction,
the system was developed to be
installed in a clockwise direction,
with the end of each wall assembly
BASIC MODULES
terminating at the far face of the next ADVANCED FRAMING: 2-FOOT MODULE
wall (see diagram). This again reduces
the amount of time required to place
and assemble the corner conditions
and adds a level of consistency that
will allow the builders to learn and
improve their process quickly.
These modules were designed to
accommodate 4'x8' sheathing on the
exterior. The important dimensions
are in plan, allowing the elevation of
the modules to change according to
the homeowners’ needs.

DIRECTION OF ASSEMBLY
START MIDDLE END F

DIRECTION OF
ASSEMBLY

BENEFITS
Modularity: Construction
C

A B
8' 12'

26' 16' 10'

B
C
B A

N
A B W
B C
E
S
Sweat Equity Opportunities
The sweat equity component of
these homes requires that the
materials used are both accessible
in place, affordable in cost, durable,
and achievable with little knowledge
of construction. Natural materials
such as adobe, lime plasters, and
wood are good examples of non-
toxic accessible materials which
can create healthier living spaces,
come from renewable sources, and
embody less energy.
FOUNDATION SECTION
CONCRETE SLAB
CONNECTION POINT
1/2" ADOBE FINISH LAYER
There are also materials which
we have found to exemplify best
practices in the region for their
durability, such as metal roofs or
exterior siding products such as
fiber cement lap siding.
Finally, the earthen floor and
concrete stem wall system provides
a sweat equity opportunity because
the process can be easily learned
and remains culturally relevant for
Navajo families.
EARTHEN FLOOR & CONCRETE STEM WALL
3" ADOBE BASE LAYER
GRAVEL
RIGID INSULATION
CONCRETE
GOOD FOR: SLAB ON GRADE FOUNDATION
STEM WALL FOUNDATION
KITCHEN/BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS
HIGH EMOBODIED ENERGY
MEDIUM COST
READILY AVAILABLE
REQUIRES HIGH SKILL LEVEL
COULD BE CONTRACTED OUT
VARIETY OF PIGMENTS & FINISHES POSSIBLE
ADOBE OR EARTH PLASTER
GOOD FOR: INTERIOR FINISHES
FLOOR WITH CONCRETE STEM WALL
ADOBE BRICKS
LOW EMBODIED ENERGY
LOW COST, LOCALLY SOURCED
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
INTENSIVE LABOR REQUIRED, LOW SKILL LEVEL
OWNERS WILL NEED TO REPAIR OVER TIME
BREATHABLE
PROVIDES THERMAL MASS FOR PASSIVE HEAT
Sweat Equity Opportunities
LIME PLASTER & TADELAKT WOOD SLATS FIBER CEMENT CORRUGATED METAL

LIME GOOD FOR: EXTERIOR/ INTERIOR GOOD FOR: INTERIOR FINISHES GOOD FOR: EXTERIOR CLADDING GOOD FOR: ROOF
TADELAKT GOOD FOR: KITCHEN/ BATHROOM COULD BE SALVAGED HIGH EMBODIED ENERGY EXTERIOR/ INTERIOR
LOW EMBODIED ENERGY COST VARIES DEPENDING ON TYPE MEDIUM COST HIGH EMBODIED ENERGY
LOW COST EASY TO INSTALL READILY AVAILABLE LOW-MEDIUM COST
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CERTAIN TYPES AVAILABLE LOCALLY EASY TO INSTALL READILY AVAILABLE
INTENSIVE LABOR REQUIRED WIDE VARIETY OF OPTIONS & FINISHES MORE DURABLE THAN VINYL OR WOOD SIDING REQUIRES LOW-MEDIUM SKILL LEVEL
OWNERS WILL NEED TO REPAIR OVER TIME OPTIONS INCLUDE: SMOOTH FINISH MORE DURABLE THAN ASPHALT SHINGLES
WOOD GRAIN FINISH
LIME IMPROVES AIR QUALITY, BREATHABLE
BUTT JOINT LAP SIDING
FOR LIME EXTERIOR: NEEDS TO BE COVERED SHAKE SIDING
FROM EXPOSURE TO WATER: ‘GOOD HAT
SHIPLAP 4' x 8' PANELS
AND GOOD SHOES’
TONGUE AND GROOVE

CLAPBOARD
Drawing Set
 36' - 0"
10' - 0" 26' - 0"
10' - 0" 6' - 2 1/4" 3' - 7 1/2" 8' - 4 1/2" 3' - 7 1/2" 4' - 2 1/4"

2' - 5 1/2"

5' - 9"
3' - 5 1/2" 7' - 0" 12' - 3"
10' - 6 1/2" 3' - 3 1/2"

5' - 0"

2' - 6"
15' - 6 1/2"

16' - 0"
3' - 3 1/2" 1' - 0"
REF.

4' - 3 1/2"
3' - 0"

4' - 0"
10' - 0 1/2" 7' - 6" 7' - 2"

2' - 6" 11 1/2" 2' - 6"

4' - 3"
1' - 3 1/2"
2' - 0"
31' - 6 1/2"

31' - 6 1/2"
1' - 0"
2' - 6"

5' - 10 1/2" 2' - 0 3/4"

"
-0
3'
3' - 0"

5' - 1 1/4"

15' - 6 1/2"
16' - 0"

5' - 0"

3' - 10 1/2"
3' - 0"

4' - 0 3/4"
2' - 6"

4' - 0 3/4" 1' - 10 1/2" 6' - 1 1/2" 1' - 10 1/2" 6' - 1 1/2" 1' - 10 1/2" 4' - 0 3/4" 10' - 0"
26' - 0" 10' - 0"
01 - Floor Plan - Dimensions
1
1/4" = 1'-0" 36' - 0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A102.1
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE FLOOR PLAN
(801) 581-8617
 10' - 0" 26' - 0"

15' - 6 1/2"
7'-11" x 11'-5"

16' - 0"
AREA: 825 S.F.

6'-8" x 7'-7"

15' - 6 1/2"
16' - 0"

26' - 0" 10' - 0"

01 - Floor Plan - Furniture Layout
1
1/4" = 1'-0"
ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A102.2
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE FURNITURE PLAN
(801) 581-8617
 EXPANSION ZONE 3

EXPANSION ZONE 1

EXPANSION ZONE 2

01 - Floor Plan - Expansion

1
1/4" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A103
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE EXPANSION FLOOR PLAN
(801) 581-8617
 T.O. Ridge
13' - 6"

T.O. Plate
8' - 4 1/2"

F.F.
0' - 0"
01 - North
1
1/4" = 1'-0"

T.O. Ridge
13' - 6"

T.O. Plate
8' - 4 1/2"

F.F.
0' - 0"

01 - East
2
1/4" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A201
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER, 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE BUILDING ELEVATIONS
(801) 581-8617
 T.O. Ridge
13' - 6"

T.O. Plate
8' - 4 1/2"

F.F.
0' - 0"
01 - South
1
1/4" = 1'-0"

T.O. Ridge
13' - 6"

T.O. Plate
8' - 4 1/2"

F.F.
0' - 0"

01 - West
2
1/4" = 1'-0"
ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A202
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER, 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE BUILDING ELEVATIONS
(801) 581-8617
 ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A301
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE TRANSVERSE SECTION
(801) 581-8617
 Typ.
T.O. RIDGE
3 13' - 7 1/4"
A304 2
1 A401
A401

T.O. PLATE
8' - 4 1/2"

Typ.
1
A702
F.F.
0' - 0"
T.O. FOOTING
-2' - 0"

Section 1
1
1/4" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE TRANSVERSE SECTION A301
(801) 581-8617
 T.O. RIDGE
13' - 7 1/4"

Typ.
1
A703
T.O. PLATE
8' - 4 1/2"
Typ.
Typ. 1
2 A703
A703

Typ.
2
A703
Typ.
2
A701
Typ.
2
A701 F.F.
0' - 0"
T.O. FOOTING
-2' - 0"

Section 2
1
1/4" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE TRANSVERSE SECTION A302
(801) 581-8617
 T.O. RIDGE
13' - 7 1/4"

Typ. Typ.
1 1
A304 A304

T.O. PLATE T.O. PLATE T.O. PLATE

8' - 4 1/2" 8' - 4 1/2" 8' - 4 1/2"

Typ. Typ. Typ.

2 2 3
A703 A703 A703

Typ. Typ.
1 1
A703 A703

Typ.
4
Typ. A703
2 Typ.
1
A701
A701

F.F. F.F. F.F.

0' - 0" 0' - 0" 0' - 0"

T.O. FOOTING T.O. FOOTING T.O. FOOTING

-2' - 0" -2' - 0" -2' - 0"

Slab - Wall - Window - Roof Detail Stem Wall - Wall - Window - Roof Detail Stem Wall - Door - Window - Roof Detail
1 2 3
1/2" = 1'-0" 1/2" = 1'-0" 1/2" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

A401
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE WALL SECTION
(801) 581-8617
 EXTRUDED METAL ROOF

WEATHER-RESISTIVE
MEMBRANE
5_ " OSB SHEATHING EXTRUDED METAL ROOF
8

WEATHER-RESISTIVE MEMBRANE
PROVIDE AIR GAP TO OVERLAP ALUMINUM GUTTER
METAL FLASHING- INSTALL PER
___TJI - SEE STRUCTURAL DWGS ALUMINUM GUTTER TO BE
MANUFACTURER SPECS
INSTALLED OVER WALL
WOOD SIDING BLOWN-IN CELLULOSE INSULATION MEMBRANE

WEATHER-RESISTANT BARRIER 2 X 12 LEDGER

WOOD SIDING
2X12 RIDGE BEAM
WEATHER-RESISTANT MEMBRANE
BLOCKING AS NEEDED
5_ " OSB SHEATHING
(2) 2X6 DOUBLE TOP PLATE 8

PLYWOOD SHEATHING

5_ " METAL FLASHING @ RIDGE - INSTALL

8 GYPSUM BOARD W/
PER MANUFACTURER SPECS
INTERIOR PLASTER
FINISH EXTRUDED METAL ROOF

WEATHER-RESISTIVE MEMBRANE

5_ " OSB SHEATHING

8

PROVIDE AIR GAP W/ SLEEPERS

___TJI - SEE STRUCTURAL DWGS

BLOWN-IN CELLULOSE
INSULATION BETWEEN JOISTS

07 - Roof Connection Detail - Bottom

1
1 1/2" = 1'-0"
07 - Roof Connection Detail - Top
2
1 1/2" = 1'-0"

07 - Roof Ridge Detail

3
1 1/2" = 1'-0"
ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:
DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE ROOF SECTION A304
(801) 581-8617
 ANCHOR BOLT

PT SILL PLATE

METAL HEAD FLASHING

2" RIGID INSULATION 3" CONCRETE SLAB

1_ " 4" DENSE PACK GRAVEL

2 6" STEM WALL

2" RIGID INSULATION COMPACT EARTH

2 1_2 "
3"
11" 4"
4"
1'-6"
6"
1'-6"

7" 2'

1'-6"

07 - Foundation - Wall Detail 07 - Concrete Slab Edge - Wall Detail

1 2
1 1/2" = 1'-0" 1 1/2" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A701
(801) 581-8617
 3" CONCRETE SLAB
1/2" EARTHEN FLOOR FINISH
2 1/2" EARTHEN FLOOR BASE

4" COMPACTED ROAD BASE

6" DENSE PACK GRAVEL

COMPACT EARTH

07 - Concrete Slab - Earthen Floor Detail

1
1 1/2" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A702
(801) 581-8617
 DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE
WEATHER-RESISTANT MEMBRANE -
DENSE-PACK CELLULOSE LAP OVER TOP OF METAL HEAD
WEATHER-RESISTANT MEMBRANE FLASHING
- LAP OVER TOP OF METAL HEAD BED OF SEALANT
FLASHING METAL HEAD FLASHING
WOOD SIDING
5_ " OSB SHEATHING
BED OF SEALANT 8

METAL HEAD FLASHING SLOPED TOP AND DRIP-EDGED HEAD

TRIM
5_ " OSB SHEATHING
8

SLOPED TOP AND DRIP-EDGED DOOR HEAD JAMB

HEAD TRIM DOOR JAMB

SEALANT DOOR

07 - Typical Window Head Detail 07 - Typical Door Head Detail

1 3
1 1/2" = 1'-0" 1 1/2" = 1'-0"

PAN FLASHING (OR FELT SILL

STRIP) CONTINUATION

WINDOW SILL WITH FLANGE

DRIP EDGE DOOR

DOOR JAMB
CAULKING/SEALANT WITH
DOOR SILL
BACKER ROD
WINDOW FLANGE DRIP EDGE
WEATHER RESISTANT MEMBRANE
WEATHER-RESISTANT MEMBRANE
CONCRETE SLAB

WOOD SIDING
5_ " OSB SHEATHING
8

07 - Typical Window Sill Detail 07 - Typical Door Sill Detail

2 4
1 1/2" = 1'-0" 1 1/2" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A703
(801) 581-8617
 07 - REBAR PLAN
1
1/4" = 1'-0"

ARCH 6060 DATE ISSUED:

DESIGN BUILD BLUFF
210 NORTH 700 EAST
BLUFF, UT
01 DECEMBER 2016 DSEP PROTOTYPE SLAB PLAN S101
(801) 581-8617