Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for the ‘Prefab’ Category

KitHAUS recently shared photos of a prefab writer’s studio installed in the Brentwood area of western Los Angeles.  The building was made with bolt-together aluminum framing, windows and doors with low-E glazing, and SIPs that are CFC, HCFC, HFC, and formaldehyde-free.  The new studio is from KitHAUS‘s standard K4 module.  K4 has 187 square feet, assembles in about four days, and costs from $39,750.

[+] See more photos of this KitHAUS K4 in Brentwood.

Credits: KitHAUS. 

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. Tiny Prefab Utilized as a Flex Office
2. Sett is a Tiny, Green, Modular Studio
3. Earn a Weekend in a Prefab KitHAUS

Now this is an interesting story as it relates to the prefab construction in the USA.  Blu Homes just announced that the company sold and is currently manufacturing its first home personalized entirely online in 3-D by the purchaser.  Cathy and Walter Pearlman fired up the Blu | 3-D Configurator, settled on the Element Series, personalized it, and then sent their custom design to Blu for purchase.  Blu confirmed the selections, made one change to the bathroom tile, and then the sent the 3-D plans to the factory.

The Pearlmans used the Configurator, which was launched in October 2011, to sift through all sorts of options including the siding, appliances, fixtures, and finishes.  The online tool helped with customization but it also gave the purchasers a price for their customized Element, which starts at $160,000.

With the 3-D Configurator, “the customer gets a beautiful, convenient shopping experience, while Blu gets the benefit of automatically processing customer purchase requests,” said Maura McCarthy, co-founder and VP of sales and marketing.

All of the information from the purchaser seamlessly translates into the plans used to fabricate the homes.  Additionally, Blu built engineering information into the program to account for wind, snow, and seismic details, which, again, automatically end up in the construction plans.

With details like this built into each and every customization, Blu cuts out what could be a cumbersome process between the home designer and client.  And one of desired benefits of prefab construction — affordability — starts to look a lot more attainable.  To date, Blu Homes has saved more than 6,000 home designs for users.

[+] Test the Blu Homes 3-D Configurator.

Credits: Blu Homes.

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. Element Prefab Installed in Long Island
2. Blu Homes Revamps Element Eco Prefab
3. Blu Completes Another Next Gen Prefab

This is a “Granny Annex” in Kent, England, fabricated by in.it.studios in eight weeks. In.it.studios fashioned the backyard prefab with a well-insulated envelope, Canadian Western Red Cedar cladding, a “zero maintenance” living sedum roof, floor to ceiling windows, a sky light in the hallway, an Accoya deck, and other built-ins with PEFC- and FSC-certified woods.

The space has about 1,055 square feet and an open plan that expands beyond bi-folding doors with a large deck area. But beyond the construction, the background story is somewhat interesting – maybe even indicative of the times.

The homeowners needed extra space for elderly parents, and this Garden Home meet their needs while still providing a bit of separation and privacy for both generations. It provides the closeness of extended family and the dignity of a dedicated living area. It’s the kind of multi-generational use that could be seen more in the future with North American accessory dwelling units.

Photo credits: in.it.studios.

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. Earth Friendly Garden Studio with a View
2. Efficient Modern Studio in the Woods
3. Prefab ADU Think Tank Built in Savannah

With off-site construction, homeowners can benefit from things like accelerated construction, controlled construction, construction without the elements, reduced construction waste, access to a skilled workforce, etc.  So it’s no surprise that the prefab industry continues to expand — we’re tracking that!  In fact, here are 22 built projects that we mentioned in the last year (with high hopes for several more next year, too):

New Porch House Prefab by Lake Flato

Porch House is an eco-friendly home that combines factory-built modules and custom outdoor elements, such as porches, breezeways, carports, and terraces. Read more.

Net-Zero i-House Open for Tours in Georgia

The homeowner won’t have an electric bill with this net-zero energy home. His butterfly roof has solar PV that generates electricity and powers a brand new Chevrolet Volt.  Read more.

Week’nder Prefab Concept on an Island

The Week’nder includes extensive glass area and operable windows, sustainably harvested wood framing, steel and pine siding, galvanized steel roofing, and a compact footprint. Read more.

A Smart Prototype for New Modern Prefab

This is a prototype by Proto Homes constructed in a hybrid-prefab system with all sorts of smart, green, and stylish elements — and it’s completely wired, too. Read more.

Butterfly Roofline Prefab on Sauvie Island

This Stillwater Dwellings prefab has a soaring butterfly roofline and 360-degree views of Sauvie Island, Mount St. Helen, Mount Hood, and Mount Rainier. Read more.

Tennessee Norris House Seeks LEED Platinum

The New Norris House builds on Tennessee history with a prefabricated home, solar hot water, rainwater collection, and all sorts of other green features. Read more.

Stylish Greenfab Home Unveiled in Seattle

The six-module abode — designed for LEED Platinum certification — has 1,790 square feet with three bedrooms, two and three-quarters bathrooms, a separate mother-in-law space, a planted rooftop deck, and an urban chicken coop. Read more.

Montana Prefab Reacts to the Elements

Ruby Springs Prefab has operable, hydraulic screens made with Caterpillar excavator cylinders and tractor parts. Read more.

Dwell Show Prefab is a Modern Living Showhouse

This 520 square-foot dwelling has a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom — all put together with the best green materials around. Read more.

Prefab LivingHomes Complete in Los Altos

This is the first multifamily project by Ray Kappe, FAIA, and it’s built with eight modules built in an off-site factory setting. Read more.

Blue Crest Modern Prefab Built in Austin

Blue Crest has reclaimed pine floor from a 100 year-old convent. The homeowners stored these floors for about 10 years, waiting to put them in the new home. Read more.

New LABhaus Prefab Home in New Jersey

This modern, green prefab was built with the owners’ budget of $340,000 and includes beautiful green and luxurious elements. Read more.

Beautiful Reclaimed Land Yacht Docks in Texas

This 512 square-foot reclaimed prefab has owners that work full-time on a yacht and ground here with horses and cattle when not on the water. Read more.

LV Series Prefab on Whidbey Island

Not interested in building your own prefab from scratch? This Rocio Romero model on an 11-acre island site hit the market last September. Read more.

pH Living Makes a Healthy Green Home

This is the pH Living Sanctuary, a modular home built for people who are extremely environmentally conscious or suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Read more.

New Rocio Romero Prefab Built in Pacifica

This kit prefab has Hansgrohe fixtures, a Smeg oven, IKEA fridge/freezer, IKEA cooktop, Norm 69 pendant light, Phrena pendant light, and a Duravit bath, etc. Read more.

Scenic New Eco Prefab Complete in Utah

This country prefab has super-insulated walls and roof, a clean-burning wood stove, efficient windows with argon and low-e film, HardiPanel and batten siding, and a standing-seam cool roof. Read more.

Solar-Powered Shed for a Colorado Artist

This Boulder-fabricated shed has eight 235-watt panels that generate energy from the sun for the benefit of the shed and the home on the same property. Read more.

Natural Modern Flat Pack Cabin in Canada

This Pioneer prefab has a mono pitch roof, 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling glass, and a smart design with large overhangs and cross ventilation. Read more.

SMPLy Mod is a Practical Green Prefab

SMPLy Mod is a two-level, 984 square-foot home that cost $135 per square foot to build, about 15-20% savings over conventional design-build in the area. Read more.

C3 First Modular Green Home in Chicago

This 2,000 square-foot modern home has a vegetated roof and deck, and the project team is pursuing both Energy Star and LEED Platinum certification. Read more.

The Crib is a Tiny Enviresponsible Prefab

The Crib was assembled from a kit of parts with SIPs, steel, aluminum, multi-layer polycarbonate panels, insulated glass, and heat-treated poplar siding. Read more.

If you have a newly built prefab project, make sure to submit your green home to the editors for publication in 2012.

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

1. 20 Fabulous Green Prefabs of 2010
2. 16 Leading LEED Platinum Projects of 2011
3. 7 Pioneer Passivhaus Projects of 2011