Providence, Rhode Island, is home to an architect and designer named Jenna Yu. Her Depew Street home may seem like any other on the outside, with its periwinkle color and wooden siding. But upon entering, one discovers a space filled with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to using natural, nontoxic materials.

Discovering Providence's Sustainable Home Design

Details of the Home's Exterior

The exterior of Jenna Yu's home on Depew Street appears unassuming at first glance. Its periwinkle color and wooden siding blend seamlessly with the Elmwood neighborhood. However, an addition connects to the original 19th-century home, setting it apart. This addition is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly, made of natural materials like panelized straw. 2: Such a design choice showcases the potential for sustainable architecture in Providence. It challenges the notion that sustainable homes must sacrifice style for environmental benefits. The home's exterior serves as a testament to the fact that sustainable design can be both beautiful and functional.

The Interior Ambiance and Safety

As one steps inside, the attention to detail becomes immediately apparent. The clay and sand walls were plastered by her family and friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The handcrafted light fixtures by her mother and step-father add a personal touch, complementing the building's natural materials. 2: For Jenna Yu, creating a safe space for her two young children was a top priority. The lead-free and nontoxic environment ensures their well-being. This emphasis on safety extends beyond just the materials used; it permeates every aspect of the home's design.

Innovative Design and Construction Methods

Yu's addition represents an innovative and eco-friendly approach to design and construction. Insulating homes with straw is a sustainable practice that has gained popularity in other parts of the country, such as California and upstate New York. 2: By moving away from toxic materials like foam and fiberglass, Yu is creating a healthier indoor environment. In California, where wildfires are common, firefighters face health issues due to the toxins released when traditional homes burn. Straw bale construction, on the other hand, is highly resistant to fire and releases fewer toxins when burned.

The Construction Process and Challenges

When the project began in 2019, Yu documented the process on Instagram. She faced some challenges with permitting due to Providence's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) laws being in flux. However, she adjusted her plans and opted for structurally insulated panels (SIPs) for quicker assembly. 2: The panels were sourced from Lithuania and arrived in one shipping container. The entire addition was completed in just over a year, from breaking ground to clearing away construction materials. The use of EcoCocon for the straw panels and the 3D modeling process made the assembly easier.

Community Involvement and the Truth Window

Friends and family played an important role in the construction process, helping to plaster the walls with clay and sand by hand. Yu also brought in subcontractors to assist with the details. The "truth window" is a design choice that reveals the straw behind the plaster, adding to the transparency and authenticity of the home. 2: This community-driven approach shows the power of collaboration in sustainable construction. It also highlights the importance of involving local people in the creation of sustainable homes.

The Future of Biomaterial Construction in Providence

With zoning changes and easier access to materials in the US, biomaterial and straw bale construction could become more common in Providence. Another straw bale house may go up around Federal Hill in the spring, further demonstrating the potential for sustainable construction in the area. 2: Yu's home serves as a model for future homes, showing that well-designed sustainable construction is already possible in Providence. It inspires others to consider sustainable options and embrace a more environmentally friendly way of building.