Our class has decided to break into four smaller groups of two to begin research on various topics, such as: Ruston & surrounding context, current technologies, habitat, past & current individual housing.

Jordan and I went to the Ruston zoning commission and picked up some zoning maps and information on building/renovation permits. I am interested in either renovating a home or building one using as many reclaimed materials as possible. The image above shows a bench made from used tennis balls and steel skeleton. I have been searching online for information about building a home from reclaimed materials. There is a host of different places that we can search locally for materials. Habitat re-stores are a good place to begin looking, as well as, local deconstruction companies, (BMRA) The building materials and reuse association, junkyards, garage sales, and thrift shops. Looking at the BMRA website I found several "how to" videos and case studies with information supporting why using reclaimed materials is viable. (www.bmra.org)

"In 1996 construction and demolition companies generated 136 million tons of waste per year. 92% of that waste is from renovation and demolition projects, while only 20-30% is recycled"
-www.bmra.org case study #2