Project RE_Entry is entry marquee to Project RE_, a collaborative entity to design and build affordable prefabricated homes for low-income families with Construction Junction, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, and the Urban Design Build Studio, with replicability and reuse sensibility at heart.  RE_Entry is sited on the retail floor of Construction Junction, a building material reuse non-profit retailer.  This entry marquee is permitted as a deconstructable freestanding sign.

This rendered section perspective illustrates the Project RE_Entry and Canopy above the threshold leading to the Project RE_ workshop.

This rendered section perspective illustrates the Project RE_Entry and Canopy above the threshold leading to the Project RE_ workshop.

There are two key narratives demonstrated here, the reclaimed materials, hollow core doors, are moving from the retail floor of Construction Junction into Project RE_ shop space, and the use of low-tech and high-tech fabrication methods.  The primary structure of the Canopy is traditionally made from dimension lumber whereas the primary structure of this entry marquee is digitally prefabricated using a CNC mill.

I joined this project team in the Fall of 2013, as the primary structure was beginning to be prefabricated.  Years of setting up funding and early design had already taken place but there was a lot material research, structural issues, and details still to be worked out.  In addition to working on prefabricating and constructing the primary structure, I developed the final material research and fabrication techniques in reusing hollow core doors as a panelized graphic signage.  I also worked through the ergonomics of the modular ladder component and I was responsible for seat for an adult and child, made from reclaimed church pew frames.

Mike Gable of Construction Junction, Steve Shelton of Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, and John Folan of the Urban Design Build Studio, work to ensure the positive impact Project RE_ makes within Pittsburgh's communities.  To discover more about Project RE_'s team, mission, and partnerships; Project RE_, Urban Design Build Studio, Construction Junction, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh.