Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
A full-scale emergency housing prototype designed and built by University of Kentucky students has moved from the Gray Design Building to its permanent home at the UK Robinson Center in Jackson, Kentucky.
Created through the UK College of Design’s design-build studio, the modular structure was developed in response to the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky. Students worked with residents, local officials and UK Cooperative Extension to design an adaptable housing option that can be deployed quickly, expanded over time and become a lasting home.
The project gave students hands-on experience in planning, framing, roofing, interior construction and community-engaged design. Now open to the public, the prototype demonstrates how collaboration across disciplines can help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies.
The project was supported by Gray, including Gray Construction and Gray AES, in collaboration with the UK College of Design, UK Cooperative Extension Service and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Story by Haley Simpkins.
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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
A full-scale emergency housing prototype designed and built by University of Kentucky students has moved from the Gray Design Building to its permanent home at the UK Robinson Center in Jackson, Kentucky.
Created through the UK College of Design’s design-build studio, the modular structure was developed in response to the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky. Students worked with residents, local officials and UK Cooperative Extension to design an adaptable housing option that can be deployed quickly, expanded over time and become a lasting home.
The project gave students hands-on experience in planning, framing, roofing, interior construction and community-engaged design. Now open to the public, the prototype demonstrates how collaboration across disciplines can help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies.
The project was supported by Gray, including Gray Construction and Gray AES, in collaboration with the UK College of Design, UK Cooperative Extension Service and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Story by Haley Simpkins.
-----
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment serves the people of Kentucky and the world, through unparalleled teaching, transformative research and relevant service to farms, families and communities. The college proudly continues to build upon its land grant tradition with a strong commitment to improve lives and to build a sustainable future. Learn more: ca.uky.edu
Apply and start your future in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment: students.ca.uky.edu/future-students
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Find an office near you: extension.ca.uky.edu
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Reasonable accommodation of disability may be available with prior notice. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating.
