Some fun things I've come across lately.
A list of links to articles, books and firms concerning Pre-fab housing. I haven't gone through it yet but as I do I'll post the most useful info.
http://www.digital-librarian.com/prefabs.html
A couple little audios that, if you're like me and like to hear people reinforce your opinion about how great prefab is (or maybe want to convince others that you're right), here you go:
Flatpack and Wee House descriptions (two companies I've posted about previously)
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/412292
A prefab highlight on NHPR's Word of Mouth show.
http://www.nhpr.org/audio/audio/wom-2008-07-17-vp1.wax
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
But I live in Michigan!
It's okay. It's still possible to build a modern home in the Midwest or on the East Coast. Yes, options are limited, but they're out there. Even if the headquarters are in the West, many will transport materials or work with local builders. Here are a few I've found so far.
Alchemy Architects – St. Paul, MN
http://www.weehouses.com
Their claim:
Playful design process, collaborative relationships with clients, and partnerships with builders and fabricators. Recycling, reuse, and building strategies that reduce waste. Alternate and atypical project solutions. Known for their WeeHouse prefab system and "tightwad panache" renovations.
My thoughts: Love these.
All American Homes, LLC - Decatur, IN
http://www.allamericanhomes.com
Built the Smart Home: Green+Wired (Designed by Michelle Kaufmann Designs)
My thoughts: Most of their work is very traditional, but this new Green+Wired home is exactly our type, so definitely potential.
Michelle Kaufmann Designs - Oakland, CA
http:///www.mkd-arc.com
Their claim:
Full service architectural design firm that specializes in sustainable, innovative, high quality design. Believe that sustainable, well-designed buildings should be accessible to more people. Simplified process and off-site modular technology to create beautiful, eco-friendly homes. The hope is that, through practice, it will be easy for people to build green and live a more sustainable life.
My thoughts: Right on philosophy, and great designs.
CleverHomes - San Francisco, CA
http://www.cleverhomes.net
Their claim:
Modern sustainable homes. Panelized approach to prefabrication which affords greater design flexibility.
My thoughts: Love these designs.
Deltec Homes - Asheville, NC
http://www.deltechomes.com
About:
“The Original Green Builder” Circular homes.
My thoughts: Looks like they know what they’re doing. Homes look extremely well built, may be a bit more expensive? Circular idea is neat because it’s unique – not sure yet how that translates into energy efficiency or building costs.
Genesis Homes - Auburn Hills, MI
http://www.genesishomes.com
About:
Main focus is to build in bulk for developers and builders, but they can also do custom homes and work with a local builder. Homes 90% complete when they arrive.
My thoughts: Their models are too traditional, but may be possible to work with them in planning an alternative. Doing some cool solar options in Pennsylvania right now.
Hive Modular - Minneapolis, MN
http://hivemodular.com
Their claim:
Eminently practical, somewhat whimsical, always functional, affordable expression of how you want to live. Modular construction system, which provides a high level of quality control, minimizes exposure of building materials to the elements, and shortens construction time.
My thoughts: I like a lot of the layouts - not too crazy about some of the exteriors and they look a little less quality than some others, but that’s only a first impression from a quick look at photos.
H-Haus - Santa Fe, NM
http://www.h-haus.com
Their claim:
H-Haus models showcase intelligent home design for the 21st century. Elegant living paired with eco-friendly designs adopted from European housing standards to the American Market. Maximum living and storage space in a small footprint that reduces land use. Constructed with materials that will reduce energy bills and conserve natural resources. Solar heating, super-insulated walls and roofing, rainwater catchment, and wastewater recycling.
My thoughts: Neat.
Alchemy Architects – St. Paul, MN
http://www.weehouses.com
Their claim:
Playful design process, collaborative relationships with clients, and partnerships with builders and fabricators. Recycling, reuse, and building strategies that reduce waste. Alternate and atypical project solutions. Known for their WeeHouse prefab system and "tightwad panache" renovations.
My thoughts: Love these.
All American Homes, LLC - Decatur, INhttp://www.allamericanhomes.com
Built the Smart Home: Green+Wired (Designed by Michelle Kaufmann Designs)
My thoughts: Most of their work is very traditional, but this new Green+Wired home is exactly our type, so definitely potential.
Michelle Kaufmann Designs - Oakland, CA
http:///www.mkd-arc.com
Their claim:
Full service architectural design firm that specializes in sustainable, innovative, high quality design. Believe that sustainable, well-designed buildings should be accessible to more people. Simplified process and off-site modular technology to create beautiful, eco-friendly homes. The hope is that, through practice, it will be easy for people to build green and live a more sustainable life.
My thoughts: Right on philosophy, and great designs.
CleverHomes - San Francisco, CA
http://www.cleverhomes.net
Their claim:
Modern sustainable homes. Panelized approach to prefabrication which affords greater design flexibility.
My thoughts: Love these designs.
Deltec Homes - Asheville, NChttp://www.deltechomes.com
About:
“The Original Green Builder” Circular homes.
My thoughts: Looks like they know what they’re doing. Homes look extremely well built, may be a bit more expensive? Circular idea is neat because it’s unique – not sure yet how that translates into energy efficiency or building costs.
Genesis Homes - Auburn Hills, MI
http://www.genesishomes.com
About:
Main focus is to build in bulk for developers and builders, but they can also do custom homes and work with a local builder. Homes 90% complete when they arrive.
My thoughts: Their models are too traditional, but may be possible to work with them in planning an alternative. Doing some cool solar options in Pennsylvania right now.
Hive Modular - Minneapolis, MNhttp://hivemodular.com
Their claim:
Eminently practical, somewhat whimsical, always functional, affordable expression of how you want to live. Modular construction system, which provides a high level of quality control, minimizes exposure of building materials to the elements, and shortens construction time.
My thoughts: I like a lot of the layouts - not too crazy about some of the exteriors and they look a little less quality than some others, but that’s only a first impression from a quick look at photos.
H-Haus - Santa Fe, NM
http://www.h-haus.com
Their claim:
H-Haus models showcase intelligent home design for the 21st century. Elegant living paired with eco-friendly designs adopted from European housing standards to the American Market. Maximum living and storage space in a small footprint that reduces land use. Constructed with materials that will reduce energy bills and conserve natural resources. Solar heating, super-insulated walls and roofing, rainwater catchment, and wastewater recycling.
My thoughts: Neat.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
First Impressions Matter
Cool house number options, as compiled by notcot.com:
http://www.notcot.com/archives/2008/09/modern_house_nu.php
Favorites:
Neutra House Numbers in Aluminum From Design Within Reach
Like the look, but at $48 apiece not exactly a bargain.
Solar LED Numbers from Matter, Inc.
Aluminum absorbs energy during the day to power the light at night. This and the $20 price tag double the savings.
http://www.notcot.com/archives/2008/09/modern_house_nu.php
Favorites:
Neutra House Numbers in Aluminum From Design Within Reach
Like the look, but at $48 apiece not exactly a bargain.
Solar LED Numbers from Matter, Inc.Aluminum absorbs energy during the day to power the light at night. This and the $20 price tag double the savings.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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