Mobile home parks house over 20 million Americans, many of whom are among the most economically vulnerable. Despite being marketed as affordable housing, these parks are highly susceptible to storm damage due to poor construction standards and dense, grid-like layouts. In recent years, insurance premiums have surged, pushing essential coverage out of reach. Insurers cite escalating climate risks and rising claims as the primary reasons for exiting these markets or dramatically increasing rates.
My project explores how architects can reduce risk exposure for mobile home owners through low-cost, scalable retrofits and reimagined park layouts. After studying storm-damaged mobile homes, I found that most damage is caused by wind-borne debris and structural instability. My proposed intervention is an aerodynamic, accordion-like dome that can be assembled by residents themselves using standardized joints and materials readily available at hardware stores. The dome functions as a protective shell around the home, stabilizing it against wind while also creating a versatile third space that can serve as a porch, greenhouse, or storage area. Panels within the dome can be swapped seasonally, allowing for storm shutters during hurricane season or solar panels during calmer months.
On a larger scale, I propose restructuring park layouts from rigid grids to serpentine arrangements. This pattern not only reduces wind impact by redirecting airflow but also opens up shared green spaces, providing communal areas for gardens or gathering spots.
Long-term, I envision a certification program similar to LEED, but specifically for climate resilience in mobile home parks. This framework could quantify risk reduction, incentivizing insurers to lower premiums for residents who retrofit their homes or participate in park-wide adaptation efforts. The goal is to transform mobile home parks from high-risk liabilities into resilient, interconnected communities, protecting both financial and physical assets.
