Part 1: Guidelines

There are several restrictions in place for the homes in Geo Town.  Each home is set on an equal sized lot measuring 100 feet by 100 feet.  Due to code enforcement, the construction must have a 25 foot border on all sides of the home allowing for lawn, fencing, driveway, etc.  The maximum height of your home construction is 50 feet. The minimum width of your home construction is 25 feet.

Part 2: Individual Solid Design

In order to attract creative, mathematically-oriented, home buyers, the homes within Geo Town cannot be built using the traditional shape of a rectangular prism. Each member of your team will need to choose exactly one type of solid for use in their research and design. Each member of the group must choose to become an expert on one of the following solids: 

In order to get started you must each print out a copy of this worksheet.

Note: Each team member must work individually while researching their particular solid. Use the worksheet to record your data. The links found below will assist you in your quest. 

Part 3: Presentations & Choosing a Design

Once each group member has completed his/her individual research and design you are to rejoin the group. Next, each group member must present his/her research and design and justify why the design is a good or bad choice for the home construction project. After reviewing the presentations, your group must choose one solid to use as the basis for your home design. Your team may feel free to alter the dimensions of the house at any point as long as the guidelines listed above are followed. While selecting the design and dimensions, try to keep in mind the features prospective buyers would look for in a home. Can all the basic necessities as well as fringe extras of a home be incorporated into your design?

Part 4: Choosing Building Materials

After choosing a solid and setting the dimensions, your group must research the pricing of the building materials needed. Print out a copy of this worksheet to assist you with your research. The following links may be used to obtain the  pricing information of the building materials: 

As a group you will need to finalize the necessary building materials for your house.  Keep in mind you want to keep the building cost low while also creating a house which is appealing to prospective home buyers. You will need to find the median price for the construction project all the while increasing the project's appeal. (Do not worry about factoring in the windows and the doors.)

Part 5: Making a Model

Your group is now ready to create a model of your home. Start finalizing your design by creating another sketch using this worksheet. Use the materials provided by your teacher to build a scaled-down model (scale is: one inch represents two feet of your design). You must also include model views of any bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Please feel free to include any extra rooms or features in order to attract prospective buyers. Your model should be able to convince potential buyers your home is the best design in Geo Town! Keep in mind your home will be featured on HGTV, so design to impress! 

Note: When you are finished you must submit the following items:

Authors: Alison Marzocchi, Liza Mekhlin, Richard Then

Last Updated: May 4, 2007