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Rebuilding in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina roared ashore causing billions of dollars of damage and thousands of destroyed homes. As a result, thousands of people lives were devastated. We believe in quality of construction as life goes on. Where Katrina has been, VOBB is now following in her footsteps. Below are some pictures of what was left after Katrina came ashore.
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After Katrina
 

Before building with VOBB, you should visit/inspect a VOBB project (even though VOBB is very simple)..

We are very honored to have had Marty and his beautiful (pregnant) wife from Gautier, MS to visit VOBB construction in Lafayette, LA. Marty and his wife will be building a VOBB home on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico after their home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

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MCGRATH 5 Start by laying the first row of VOBB on a six-inch grid.

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MCGRATH 15 Note, if you want the foundation to have a slope so that the water will drain, it is ok to have "thick" mortar joint below the first row to get the first row to be level. However, we strongly recommend to use a proper level to be sure the foundation is level.

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MCGRATH 31 The rebar is what gives the extra strength of a concrete block wall. Concrete block are very "strong" on a compressive basis from the top. However, they are "weak" when hit from the side from such as wind, water or cars.

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MCGRATH 33 A six-inch steel I-beam is used for the lintel/header. Where there is risk of high wind or water force, we strongly recommend the use of steel in the lintel/header. The beak point will always be the weakest point. As such, an opening is considered the weak point in the structure. Notice, this building was designed to allow the water to come in and go out though large "openings". It is much better to work with the forces of nature, than against them.

MCGRATH 34 The trusses are set on a plate supported by the VOBB block.

MCGRATH 35 A grinder is used to remove high spots. Simple and cost effective.

MCGRATH 36 Pouring dry concrete mix in the VOBB concrete block. (NOTE: We strongly recommend to mix water with the dry mix a the same time to obtain a more consistent mix. The concrete mix should be stirred or vibrated. We also recommend that the VOBB block should be wet on both the outside and the inside. You should consult a concrete expert or a qualified P. E. if you have any doubt.)

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MCGRATH 38 Michael King, the Cajun Contractor, on-location

MCGRATH 39 Looking out on the Gulf of Mexico from the second floor

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MCGRATH 41 Trusses are installed.

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MCGRATH 44 Rebar laid on a horizontal basis

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MCGRATH 46 It helps to have a forklift on-site

MCGRATH 47 The VOBB sign

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MCGRATH 61 Andrew Dooley, the designer

MCGRATH 62 Rene Peck, editor from the Times Picayune of New Orleans

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MCGRATH 64 Wetting the VOBB before pouring concrete in the cells.

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MCGRATH 82 Using the forklift over & over.

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MCGRATH 140 Using hurricane straps to tie down the 2" x 4" to the top plate

MCGRATH 141 Building out a small closet

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MCGRATH 143 The top plate is fastened to the VOBB with a large bolt.

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MCGRATH159 Installing the the plywood on the rafters

MCGRATH 160 Looking out to the Gulf of Mexico - The good life! How can we not want to live and wake up to such a beautiful view?

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We are very honored to have had Randy Hall and his wife from Tallahassee, Florida to visit quality VOBB construction.

 

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MCGRATH 169 Randy is checking out the strength of VOBB Easy Steps to show the simplicity.

 

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MCGRATH 174 Truly a "fortress" to protect the family.

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MCGRATH 176 A wall is made super strong by building in a column. This is very simple to do with VOBB. Some people call these "pilasters". We consider this to be an excellent example of design which takes into effect the simplicity of VOBB to build a superior structure.

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MCGRATH 178 The brick has been laid for the front entrance

MCGRATH 179 Metal mesh is put on the corners to prepare for the stucco

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MCGRATH 182 Metal mesh is put on the corners and around door and windows

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mcgrath 189 A majestic view from a home built for strenght

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This home was designed by:

Andrew D. Dooley Home Design
andrewdooley

P.O. Box 501223
Mobile, AL 36605
251-802-9293 Phone
251-479-1581 Fax
email: andrewdooley@comcast.net
http://www.andrewdooley.com

This home is in-progress. More pictures to follow.

Due to numerous different soil conditions, building codes, etc.,
VOBB makes no guarantees and/or warranties (expressed or implied).
Please contact a qualified engineer, architect or building inspector as needed.