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Building Community: Empowering people around the construction of Small-Scale Housing for a Sustainable Tucson
- Valerie Lane
- Nov 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Hello, Neighbor!
Construction isn't just for the pros! Remember that childhood thrill of passing by a construction site, itching to climb the piles of dirt, peek inside unfinished rooms, and build your own imaginary world? This month's newsletter taps into that sense of wonder as we explore alternative building methods and materials for your future ADU! |  |
At UIP, we empower homeowners to bring their unique vision to life. Our number one goal is to help make it easy to build an ADU that's truly your own. A backyard construction project will transform your life, spark conversations with your neighbors, and provides opportunity to get the family involved in the building process!
As the homeowner, you have the power to choose the style, the materials, and even do some of the work yourself. Get ready to unleash your creativity, build something truly unique, and bring a sense of accomplishment and wonder to your family, friends, and neighbors! |
 | HUGE thank you to Kimberly York from KB Homes - she is the fearless organizer of Southern Arizona Construction Career Days. 3,000 area students were able to come see the wonders of the construction industry - such a hugely important effort in getting the next generation ready to build! Thank you for hosting us and we look forward to next year! |
Arizona takes statewide action to increase housing options.
City of Tucson Community Corridors Tool - Proposed Code Draft is open for review:
Remove barriers to attainable house
Promote transit-oriented infill development that supports climate action goals.
Update zoning to make it easier to permit the full spectrum of housing types.
Simplify Redevelopment of underutilized and vacant sites.
Embodied Energy
Originate reaches 21 years! A local, female- owned business and community resource for anyone interested in natural or salvaged building materials. Owner, Natasha Winnik, is a true Custodian of the Past...emphasis on caretaking. At Originate, you'll enter a showroom that specializes in interior finishes that are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, durable, and made from natural renewable ,and recycled resources. Natasha also maintains an impressive stockpile of Tucson history in salvaged building materials that are the perfect traditional touch to your construction project. |  |
Alternative Methods
Curious about alternative construction methods? Rethink the way you build...there are lot's of construction methods available that could revolutionize your ADU project. Explore multiple ways to build your exterior walls: |  |
Old Pueblo Hemp Co. brings the tradition of vernacular building to your doorstep. This is another amazing local female-owned company, one of our faves! Michaela Machado is the founder, general contractor, and landscape designer and she believes that Hemp is the way to go in the future of building construction. Hemp-lime construction is a Non-toxic, Carbon Sequestering, Energy efficient, sustainable solution that can offer Fire, Mold and Pest resistance to a home that will actually strengthen over time. We are excited to see the first hemp-built ADU in Tucson.
We have our eyes on a new company headquartered in Phoenix called Woodsyn - These folks desires to revolutionize the construction industry with it's wall panels has our attention. The system utilizes proven wood wool cement technology and transforms small-diameter trees into carbon-sequestering construction materials while reducing the cost and time of construction. We are excited to see this product in Arizona!
Preflex is headquartered in San Diego and has a production factory just across the boarder in Tijuana. Preflex building system is a streamlined process to build sustainably, in a fraction of the time using SIPS (structurally insulated panel system). SIPS are a wall system that incorporates roof and wall panels made of rigid foam insulation sandwiched between large sheets of OSB wood. This system has been around for more than 30 years, so while it feels revolutionary - there is no lack of applicability or testing. We are a huge fan.
Wallcon is a local company, founded in 2008 who is revolutionizing factory-made wall panels using traditional wood frame methods. The outcome is the same as any site-built, stick frame home - but the walls are pre-assembled in a warehouse and then trucked to the job site. This cuts down on site-time and is a faster path through construction. Wallcon is involved in production building, so their efficiencies are notably higher than a typical site-build process.
Frame up Now creates metal DIY frame kits that are produced in a factory in Benson. These frame kits show up on site on a truck and take a matter of a couple days to have the entire house up and framed. Metal studs are always straight and reliable, and pre-assembled panels makes building your ADU as easy as putting together a puzzle. |
Calls to Action:
Investing in your well-being is an investment in your community. Here are a few ideas that can add value and wellness to your life - especially as the holiday season approaches:
Take the family for a hike up Tumamoc - this is a great thing to do Thanksgiving morning in prep for a big meal.
Give an old friend a call and catch up. Someone who meant a lot to you at one point and you've lost touch with in the last several years.
Visit a local business and get your Christmas shopping started. What would it look like if you bought all of your gifts this year from small local businesses??
Journal question: What aspects of your city or neighborhood are you grateful for?
Describe a recent interaction with a stranger that left you feeling happy.
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