100-Mile-House

Can a home be designed using only materials from within 100 miles of the Twin Cities?

Inspired by the “100-mile diet” advocated by the local food movement, a class of University of Minnesota architecture students took on the challenge, under the instruction of Lucas Alm of ALM Design Studio.

Students began by analyzing the systems, materials and technology employed in the construction of a typical market-rate home. They then sought out locally sourced alternatives to use in lieu of these industry standards. Designs for a 100-mile house grew from these discoveries, including ways to address energy use, waste, and water with a local perspective.

The process opened students to the abundance of building options our region offers, and helped them see the sustainable possibilities that lie beyond entrenched practices.