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US builder turns refuse into residences
04/09/09
A US builder is taking on the twin problems of growing landfill sites and a lack of affordable housing by turning one person's rubbish into, literally, another's home. Former army intelligence officer, dance instructor and antiques dealer Dan Phillips set up his firm, Phoenix Commotion, in Huntsville, Texas in 1997, the New York Times reports.
The company's philosophy is that almost any durable material that has been thrown away, including broken tiles, licence plates and even cattle bones, can be recycled for housing.
Around 80% of the materials Mr Phillips uses has either been salvaged from other construction sites, recovered from landfill heaps or collected on the side of the road, the newspaper noted.
In July 2008, Mr Phillips told House and Home that using salvaged and recycled materials, it is possible to build a residential property in Huntsville for less than $10,000 (£6,119), excluding the cost of a plot of land.
So far, Phoenix Commotion has completed 14 homes in the town, all to local building standards. The company uses local tradesmen, including electricians, plumbers and engineers, as consultants to ensure their designs and workmanship are up to scratch.
"Attractive, affordable housing is possible and I'm out to prove it," the 64-year-old said.
"You can't defy the laws of physics or buildings codes but beyond that, the possibilities are endless."
