Adaptable Homes - The Next Generation

Ola,

I am spending the summer studying to become become a LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE in August 2013. LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN [LEED] consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. LEED is associated with the United States Green Building Council [USGBC] and the Green Building Certification Institute [GBCI].  Becoming a LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE is the first level of certification credentials and I plan to incorporate what I have learned into my Interior Design Studies, which will begin in September 2013. Being a LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE, will also open doors to new career prospects.

While studying for my LEED Certification, I fell in love with one of the concepts in GREEN BUILDING - ADAPTIVE REUSE. ADAPTIVE REUSE means designing and building a structure in a way that makes it suitable for a future use different than its original use. A good example would be a FLEXIBLE FLOORPLAN to accommodate offices today and apartments tomorrow. 

During this time, I also came across an article on HOUZZ.COM entitled, Meet the Next Generation of Incredibily Adaptable Homes.

MIMA HOUSE

I fell in love with the MIMA HOUSE.  Its design was based on traditional Japanese houses, which are built using a column-spacing grid, known as the ken, and customized inside using movable shoji screens, fusuma panels and tatami mats.  MIMA HOUSE is a prefab home [you all know how I am CRAZY ABOUT PREFAB HOMES] and the architects, Marta Brandao and Mario Sousa, say that the house is about the same price as a midsize car.

GroHome

My second favorite is GroHome, which was developed by Architecture students at Texas A&M University.  GroHome is a modular building system that can be easily expanded, upgraded and modified. The basic structural frame is made from a kit of lightweight, industrial elements (steel, wood or aluminum could be used, based on the particular location’s material availability and climate needs) and finished with prefabricated walls, floors and roofs. Components can be replaced or altered to meet changing homeowner needs. Homeowners can add rooms or sell a few rooms as detached accessory units when the kids go off to college. 

I have a great feeling about my studies and my LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE Certification.
I am looking forward to my future projects and ways in which I can help protect the environment for future generations!








http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13512980/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u303&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery11

Australia’s First Flat-Pack Apartment Building

Ola!!!

In my last post entitled - FabCab | Spaces For Changing Needs, I talked about FabCab and how they design and sell Environmentally Friendly Pre-Fabricated Homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

This week, I read an article on Australia's first Flat-Pack (Modular) Apartment Building on DESIGNBUILDSOURCE.COM.AU. 

Modular Apartment Building - Wayfarers

The two-story modular apartment building, dubbed the Wayfarers, will feature two, three and four-bedroom apartments and is expected to be completed in an amazing five weeks as opposed to the six months it would generally take to build such a project using traditional means.

In my post entitled - FabCab | Spaces For Changing Needs, I noted the differences between modular versus traditional building:

"Modular Homes are built to the same IRC building codes and State Building Codes that site built homes are. The difference is that all Modular Homes are built in a controlled environment and third party inspected at the factory before they are delivered to your site to make sure they comply with all local building codes. Site built homes are constructed out in the elements and only have the electrical system inspected unless you are in a code-enforced area. The contractor may say it is built to the IRC code but no one is inspecting the home to make sure it actually is. 

Modular homes are built with the efficiency and quality control only found using factory assembly line techniques. Each home travels through departments staffed with specialized workers who represent every building trade. Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material. Materials are also protected from the weather instead of being piled outside. The average typical waste of building a 2,000 sq ft. home is in excess of 8,000 pounds. In Modular Home construction that waste can be recycled. 

Quality engineering and modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of modular homes. After Hurricane Andrew, a FEMA study showed that system built (Modular Homes) construction stood up better than site built homes in the storm-ravaged Dade County. “Overall relatively minimal structural damage was noted in system-built homes. System-built construction provides an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.” Along with quality control processes, inspectors and code compliance you are assured your new home will be every thing you dream it will be. "  - Anderson Homes, Inc. 

After writing about FabCab and their modular homes, I wondered why there aren't any modular apartments?  Be careful what you ask for!!!!

What are your opinions on modular building?

Do you think this will replace traditional building?

Let us know!!!!

FabCab | Spaces For Changing Needs

Ola!

This week I received a link to an awesome site that designs and sells Environmentally Friendly Pre-Fabricated Homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - FabCab.

FabCab’s highly skilled architecture and design team is  dedicated to environmental sustainability, universal design and gorgeous spaces.

FabCab’s approach to sustainability is simple; design healthy efficient environments to accommodate peoples’ varied lifestyles.

Here are the differences between Pre-Fabricated (also know as Modular) and Built (also known as Stick-Built) homes:

"Modular Homes are built to the same IRC building codes and State Building Codes that site built homes are. The difference is that all Modular Homes are built in a controlled environment and third party inspected at the factory before they are delivered to your site to make sure they comply with all local building codes. Site built homes are constructed out in the elements and only have the electrical system inspected unless you are in a code-enforced area. The contractor may say it is built to the IRC code but no one is inspecting the home to make sure it actually is. 

Modular homes are built with the efficiency and quality control only found using factory assembly line techniques. Each home travels through departments staffed with specialized workers who represent every building trade. Work is never delayed by weather, subcontractor no-shows or missing material. Materials are also protected from the weather instead of being piled outside. The average typical waste of building a 2,000 sq ft. home is in excess of 8,000 pounds. In Modular Home construction that waste can be recycled. 

Quality engineering and modular construction techniques significantly increase the energy efficiency of modular homes. After Hurricane Andrew, a FEMA study showed that system built (Modular Homes) construction stood up better than site built homes in the storm-ravaged Dade County. “Overall relatively minimal structural damage was noted in system-built homes. System-built construction provides an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.” Along with quality control processes, inspectors and code compliance you are assured your new home will be every thing you dream it will be. "  - Anderson Homes, Inc. 

My Dream House

I am a true advocate dwellings which eco-friendly, sustainable and not  intrusive to the surrounding environment.  When I saw these designs, I SAW MY DREAM HOUSE. The size is PERFECT (more room means more to clean!!!) and my dream house would blend in beautifully with the environment.

What are your feelings about pre-fab/modular homes and 'built' homes?

Please share your thoughts and feelings!!!