Native News Online reports that Brad Pitt's Make it Right non-profit foundation will be partnering with the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes of Fort Peck, Montana to build sustainable homes, buildings and communities on their reservation.
From Make it Right's website:
This year we will build the first twenty Cradle to Cradle-inspired, LEED Platinum homes for tribal members in need of housing. Currently, more than 600 people are waiting for homes.
Architects and designers from GRAFT, Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative, Architecture for Humanity, Method Homes and Living Homes spent four days meeting with tribal members before developing their designs.
Check out some of the designs below and let us know which one is your favorite.
For more information on the project and how you can donate please visit Make it Right.
Last Updated on December 28, 2018 by PowWow Articles
Janice Villarreal
says:Thank you Brad Pitt , I am enrolled assinaboune Sioux member ,I like the house with the room upstairs ,and the big porch , alot of houses are needed , thank u so much .
Brenda T
says:I love the first house. Thank you Brad Pitt for helping here in America. I saw what you did in Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina people and you are absolutely the best. You are so AWESOME!!!!
Elisabeth Smith
says:I’m 65 Cherokee living on SS only,,,would be nice to have a home of my own.
Zen leech
says:great news beautiful homes by Make it Right and a huge well done to Brad
Alisha Custer
says:I would like it know I am not trying to criticize. I look at the proposed homes with years of building and product experience. My favorite is the 3rd home or maize and orange home with the divided roof the best only b/c it has the better pitch to the roof which will ultimately work better in the Montana winters due to snow fall accumulation. Flat roofs in that climate can be a hazard if not built properly, and due to standing water issues when snow finally does begin to melt, flat roofs are more prone to leaking.
If “Make It Right” wants to help build homes that will last for more than 100 years instead of sub par housing like the US government has(or really hasn’t even though they have said over and over they will build homes) for years, they will look at the advice given in these posts from people who have lived in the harsher northern climates, and know what it takes to help these families build homes that will last for multiple generations to come instead of cookie cutter cardboard boxes that will barely last one generation. Safety and health come before the aesthetics of some architect who doesn’t even know what a Montana winter looks like, let alone feels like and how homes have to be built to sustain the weight of the snow, the harsh northern winds, and the sometimes persistent subzero temperatures.
Maleceet Rioux
says:I like the designs. For those who think the house should have a more ”local flavour” to them, I have confidence that whoever will live in them will make them their own in many good and fun ways. I have confidence the new occupants and owners will be creative enough.
se
says:Thank you Brad Pit, as far as the complaints from posters on the design, read the article. It says “Architects and designers from GRAFT, Sustainable Native Communities Collaborative, Architecture for Humanity, Method Homes and Living Homes spent four days meeting with tribal members before developing their designs.”
tom mallard
says:************For saving energy for any wood frame house or trailer:
Use insulation board on the OUTSIDE under the siding works best, thermally it’s far more efficient doing this [hemp-mortar also works for this and is fireproof].
This triples the R-factor of a wall by greatly reducing conduction, the rooms are quieter and stay warmer longer, a R-15 wall becomes R-45; using this idea on the tiny home.
For trailers do the same thing but use 2×4’s for a light frame with decent X-bracing & hold downs for windy places. it’s so light can take off easy in gusty winds.
******************* What are you building??
Have work on an off-grid tiny home for myself using Earthship methods for wood framing, it’s 14’x20′. To have a greenhouse to process grewywater and put panels above that gives you a second floor with full headroom, nice 6ft deck on 2-sides and enclosed “porch” dirt at grade the floor to keep cold winds off the lower building, it’s a cold windy spot, eastern Washington so similar, the glazings for the porch are set on a 4ft wall at 45-degrees up to the deck to not shudder in gusts.
The thermal-mass for it is in the crawl space uses air heated by the panels mounted to heat air on the roof; solar hot-water; rain catchment w/cisterns & greywater-sewage system.
Having living comfort, power and water is then what you’re building, it’s a refuge able to support life on a fixed budget with little overhead to live there, that’s the point of spending the money or why not just camp out, teepee’s are better at that kind of living put in a pit toilet and live better than Detroit?
Modern people want running water, flush the toilet, charge the phone, all the electronics, has a washer-dryer, kitchen is fine, can take a bath the water’s hot and the lights work, even a tiny home.
So, to add to the requirements for all designs consider having the rain-snow catchment & sewage system as a big need along with thermal collection & mass built in to keep the rooms comfortable year round with the least energy.
Maybe I should submit my drawings? … didn’t think of that.
smudges,
tom
Alisha Custer
says:Maybe you should submit your drawings. It sounds like your ideas give a better idea for “sustainable” living far beyond what their renderings can capture to understand just how sustainable some of these families are going to need/have to be in Montana. I hope you do submit your ideas Tom.
Blessing to you,
Alisha
paul gwaz.
says:I helped build a dome home that I think would be a perfect application for hempcrete,
kay nelson
says:the first one is something like the house I lived in near Hermosa SD it was nestled into a hillside with south exposure to all the windows in front kitchen was first with washroom on first floor, up a few steps to bedroom and office then up another few stairs to the front room with southern view. It was a pole building and was very energy efficient heated with a huge old army cook stove in kitchen. the side windows up stairs had a nice breeze in summer. Cheap to build and the interior walls were of the native pine. It was fed water to the taps by gravity storage tank buried up the hill. Drinking water was hauled and the bathroom was up the hill and had a window to the southern meadow.
Roma Red Thunder
says:If any of you people have ever been HOMELESS you wouldn’t care what these houses looked like. Fort Peck is prairie no trees for log cabins. If anything it should be built with a material that can be replenished.
debra johnson
says:i think the one with the porch is great. while i agree with your remark of not looking a gift horse in the mouth, i also agree with the fact that weather conditions of an area should be taken into consideration so that the homes last longer with little maintenance. while any home is better than none, it would be a sad thing to see that new home become unlivable because a person could not afford to fix the damage done to it by the weather conditions of winters. i wish that all wealthy people would donate a portion of their wealth for this. after all, it would simply be a taxwrite ooff for them.
Chuck
says:I hope this does not turn out like the Red Lake res program. Was set up to sell prefab housing but when all houses on res were replaced the factory was shut down. It was to be an ongoing enterprise to employ people for years.
bcr8tive
says:I think they’re all great. They look as though they’re utilizing green energy, with solar panels… that’s practical for financial reasons and to be in keeping with core Native principles. People can paint them whatever color they choose.
I admire brad for his good hearted gesture and coming out of his own pocket to do something that should have been done ages ago by the GOVERNMENT. For that alone, I personally wouldn’t care what it looked like. A roof over your head is better than none. For those that feel the need to critique a gift – I’m embarrassed for you…
bcr8tive~
Cathi
says:I must say IF I had to pick from any of the designs to live in Eastern Montana in, I would choose #1 & #2, but they just don’t really seem fitting for that part of our state, as there is VERY MUCH snow and wind!! I am grateful to Brad Pitt for showing so much interest for the Fort Peck tribes, God knows they need some helping aids! Good luck with whatever the choice(s) may be and I hope the people like them and they are well insulated and done accordingly for that area.
Leslie Vermillion
says:WOW!Thanks!Now I know there is still people out there that still have a heart. Love to and your family in all that you do.
Leslie Vermillion
says:I like the house with the porch. Does it have anyplace for shelter in tornadoes?
Mable Moses
says:Everyone should thank “God” for a roof over their heads and someone willing to help.
TC Carmen
says:This is an amazing jesture, thank you Brad.
KARREN SMITH
says:THINK YOU BRAD for helping the Native Indians of the USA. wish they were more people like you think you from the heart. YOUR TRULEY KARREN SMITH (GAY-KAW-NEE) CHEROKEE INDIAN ALABAMA.
Tammy Stymiest
says:I applaud this effort. Way past time that natives are helped. Please think about other reservations that need this type of help. Pine Ridge rez in South Dakota is the poorest county in this country. Check out the statistics!
Joshua Blackfoot
says:Did anyone ask the Native Americans what they wanted?
Iama Maughanster
says:Did you read the article? You might want to.
james (running wolf)wilson
says:that,s cool that brad would do that….
Becky
says:Joseph Mathews, I agree with your comment 100%. I would assume that some people would rather see a structure that better represents the area. But, I read that the foundation is taking into consideration the options and needs from the tribal reps in order to build the best accommodations for the ‘more than 600’ people that are without a home.
I remember a lesson from my father; when I was a child, a family friend offered me a piece of candy. When I asked ‘what kind?’, my father told her that I didn’t ‘need’ the candy and I withdrew my open hand. I instantly felt guilty and embarrassed. Times have changed, eh.
Allan
says:That is a great lesson your father taught you. I seen many variations of this incident. Too many times, I’ve seen people, and children, given something out of the kindness of someone’s heart, and they look disappointed. Mr. Pitt didn’t HAVE TO give the houses. These are houses for people without homes, or live in substandard housing.
In my experience with construction, there is NO PERFECT house. A house is always going to be too hot, or too cold. There’s always going to be not enough room, not enough bedrooms, not enough whatever, or even the WRONG COLOUR. They could have strived for perfection, but in the end, there would be less houses due to costs. Probably because they would be building mansions instead of houses.
We have to learn to just say “thank you”.
Joseph Mathews
says:Read it again, the architectural team and the tribal representatives met for four days about the design of these homes. Maybe that was not enough time, that’s not for me or any outsider to say. These are production homes so for each future occupant to be intimately involved in the production of these homes could possibly double the cost. God Bless Brad Pitt for stepping up, otherwise we wouldn’t be having this conversation. None of us know about the discussions leading up to the design decisions of these structures. Wow. I guess it’s true, “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished”.
Roberta Clermont
says:these homes will be there for many years and many memories. They should not be accepted on the basis of the “gift horse” scenario alone. If they can be more appropriate in design without loosing any of the sustainability features I feel that should be an option. As many have said, the choice between options should remain with the people they will be housing. If they are being shown the houses we see here and others like them, that is not really the choice I’m talking about. Have some designs based on their culture and style thrown in as options and let the people directly involved reach an agreement.
Joseph Mathews
says:Interesting comments about the architectural designs. The article which accompanied the elevation shots of the structures stated that the designers spent four days with tribal representatives. Don’t know how much input the tribal members had but I have been told many times in my life, “Do Not Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth”.
Joe,
Linda
says:I like all three designs, but that should be the choice of the Native people who will live in them. The first one would be nice for the elders and grandparents because it is all one level. Don’t destroy the beauty just enhance it. Let the people decide, but show respect and honor to them.
Nancy
says:First and foremost it is those for whom the homes will be built that should have the most input as to what is practical, least amount of maintenance over time. I would not want someone else designing my home for me or others choosing the layout of the rooms etc. If we truly are wanting to do this for tribal members then they should be the ones that the Architects and designers should be setting down with. And is there utilities in this area to provide heat/cooling? It should be a community affair with outside help if others want to contribute…not outsiders coming in with their ideas of what others need.
Wally D.
says:A design that fits into the landscape and looks more native would be much more attractive and could be be built “green & sustainable” rather than these “Art Deco” styles. And they’re all ugly. I’ve seen mobile homes that look better than this crap. Sorry Brad Pitt, but your foundation needs a new design team.
Linda A Johnnson
says:I too would rather see homes more in tune w/the surroundings–maybe a log cabin style –thank God and Brad Pitt–time someone w/means is helpi g our native Americans.
ceci
says:i wish someone would have done that for me n my 5 children at the time, i waited years n nothing, children are now grown. I returned to the city, to be able to put a roof over my children’s heads, in a small fixer up 3 bedroom house. In which is still not complete, i am currently unemployed n helping raise 2 grandchildren.
Kathleen
says:It’s difficult to choose without seeing the interior lay out. But I would have to go with the 2nd photo, based on what I see. It lets in a lot of natural light and has a nice big welcoming porch to sit back and visit with friends and family.
Ultimately it is the people who will be living in them whose opinion matters though. But it is an Awesome project.
Caroline
says:You should also help in Africa
D. Connor
says:My comment is to Caroline! So many millionaires have helped in Africa! I feel it is time that we help the Native Americans. No offense, but they were put on these reservations by the white man. They had their way of life taken away from them. I spent years denying my Indian heritage, because when I grew up, there was still a stigma that went along with claiming to be Native American. We should help our own first.
Eileen D. Moore
says:Such a wonderful idea too give them homes! There all nice homes! A house to protect from the ellaments! Bless you all for your work and time! It Brings tears to my eyes that you value life and Human beings! My Father had these values and Iam thankful that you care too! Bless you and your Familys with the Lords protecting Arms Amen!
Joseph Mathews
says:Good News! It’s way past time that Americans should recognize the causes here at home which need attention. American Natives should be at the top of the list. If You feel compelled to donate, why not start here at home instead to some place You will never see. If You have not visited a Native American Reservation, try that on Your next vacation. You will be inspired to do something You probably never thought about. If You google Native American Reservations, You will see how many are scattered around the country. Choose one of interest to You, they all need help.
Stacy Cofield
says:Excellent statement, Mr. Matthews. I will personally do just that. Do you think the Native community (not that you can speak for everyone, of course), would in general be receptive to working with an African American social worker? I graduate in December with my Master’s in Social Work, and I have a heart for restoring indigenous people worldwide. I would like to start at home, perhaps.
Stacy Cofield
Joseph Mathews
says:Stacy Cofield,
What a wonderful idea. I’m not sure what volunteer programs are in place for such a generous offer with one of The Native American Tribal Councils. There must be a place for someone as willing as You to offer Your time.
Research Reservations reasonably close to Your home for starters. Maybe there are existing programs that You could join or start one of Your own.
The Cofield Native American Foundation sounds good to me.
Best Wishes,
Joseph,
Evelyn McCormick
says:I agree with visiting reservations. Here in San Diego there are 22. It amazes me that people are so unaware of this and our local history. Last year was Barona’s 46th Pow Wow. People I know who live just up the road had no clue. My great grandson lives on Barona.
As for the houses I prefer the covered porch and sloped roof.
A
Donnie Hinderliter
says:I think you should find a design more common to the area, scenery and environment. These modernistic designs look alien to the landscape. Otherwise, a wonderful project and long over due!
Blessings to all involved.
Donnie Hinderliter
Nancy Quade
says:I agree with Donnie. Something more fitting with the landscape and weather conditions.
kay nelson
says:the house we had was very energy efficient the lowest level (ground) was right below the living room, the bedroom office area built into northern hillside with windows facing south. instead of the solar panels we had a balcony on the living room floor , stored wood under that for the wood stove. Living in SD my whole life this little house was perfect. One could and did add indoor plumbing but as we were young and in good health did not matter to us. We had a 18 foot teepee for a guest room. Living the simple life is not so hard, the inside of the house was always cozy.
ChrIs tine Fernie
says:in Canada, Solar Nova Scotia recommends building a solar shed for the solar panels. it provides a place separate from the house to store the batteries which reduces fire risk. The shed also puts the panels closer to the ground so that the owner can clear snow from them in the winter. not sure if snow is an issue where these will be built, but there might be other environmental factors that impact the panels requiring regular access for maintenance.
The system also needs to be revamped to get the owners to want to take possession of the property and to maintain the property. Thank you Brad Pitt for an excellent initiative. Please help the repressed to help themselves.
Marianne
says:Really???? All you can do is criticize???? Some people on Rez’s are living in cardboard shacks……GREAT JOB BRAD PITT!!!!! THANK YOU