unCommon Construction Minneapolis Houses

Prototype design of houses being constructed through an apprenticeship program that builds character by building homes

MSR Design is providing a prototype design for new houses that will be constructed by students who receive high school credit and earn hourly pay and scholarship money as part of an educational program in the construction trades. The project is a joint venture between Minneapolis Public Schools, a charter school, and the nonprofit training organization unCommon Construction. To shape the design of the first house, students participated in a student-led design charette focused on developing typologies, the front porch design, and general aesthetics. Project partners USGBC Minnesota and the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) are helping to strategize and manage the LEED certification process and blower door testing. The garage for each home will be built first as a teaching space and for construction materials storage. The design accommodates legal limitations on tasks students can participate in, while offering students the opportunity to gain experience in a broad set of construction skills.