Design Blog MocoLoco interviewed me about our modern stock house plans and the other modern projects we have underway. Jump to the interview.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house
Jumat, 30 Desember 2005
Interview at MocoLoco Blog - with me!
Modern Contemporary design Blog MocoLoco has published an interview with me.
Design Blog MocoLoco interviewed me about our modern stock house plans and the other modern projects we have underway. Jump to the interview.
Design Blog MocoLoco interviewed me about our modern stock house plans and the other modern projects we have underway. Jump to the interview.
Jumat, 23 Desember 2005
Arkansas Plat House - Done
The owners have declared construction finished.
The owners of the Arkansas Plat House have sent me a last package of construction photos. The work at the site is done. Some temporary furnishings are in place while the owners seek out furniture for the house.
This last group of pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. There are photos of nearly every room, and several new exterior views of the finished house in this last group. Again, our most grateful thanks to our customers for sharing their progress.
The owners of the Arkansas Plat House have sent me a last package of construction photos. The work at the site is done. Some temporary furnishings are in place while the owners seek out furniture for the house.
This last group of pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. There are photos of nearly every room, and several new exterior views of the finished house in this last group. Again, our most grateful thanks to our customers for sharing their progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Minggu, 27 November 2005
0242 Plat House Garage
The Arkansas Plat House gets a matching garage...
One of the most frequent requests we get is for garage plans to match our house plans. We hope to produce them some day, but for now there is too much to accomplish with houses and garages will have to wait. When they ask I tell people that it is relatively easy for them to create a garage to match the house. Your builder will know how to build a garage, how thick to make your slab, how to frame it. You just need to put a thoughtful eye to the house plans and take some of the look and feel and apply it to the garage. Well, that is just what the owners of the Arkansas Plat House have done.
I think it looks great, couldn't have done it better if I tried! The proportion is good, the roof slope right, and they have even framed the overhang in complete simpatico to the house. Here is the side of the house it faces on.
So be brave and strike out on your own for a compatible garage. When there are no more houses to be designed we will start on the garages, we promise.
One of the most frequent requests we get is for garage plans to match our house plans. We hope to produce them some day, but for now there is too much to accomplish with houses and garages will have to wait. When they ask I tell people that it is relatively easy for them to create a garage to match the house. Your builder will know how to build a garage, how thick to make your slab, how to frame it. You just need to put a thoughtful eye to the house plans and take some of the look and feel and apply it to the garage. Well, that is just what the owners of the Arkansas Plat House have done.
I think it looks great, couldn't have done it better if I tried! The proportion is good, the roof slope right, and they have even framed the overhang in complete simpatico to the house. Here is the side of the house it faces on.
So be brave and strike out on your own for a compatible garage. When there are no more houses to be designed we will start on the garages, we promise.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Kamis, 24 November 2005
0242 Plat House Construction Near Complete
The finishing touches are being put on the Arkansas Plat House.
The Arkansas Plat House is nearly complete now. The interior work is all but done. Since our last blog entry you will now see finish floors, complete cabinetry, and a working kitchen.
Updated pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
The Arkansas Plat House is nearly complete now. The interior work is all but done. Since our last blog entry you will now see finish floors, complete cabinetry, and a working kitchen.
Updated pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Senin, 07 November 2005
Sage House Post-Set Progress
The Sages have been busy and productive since their modules were set.
I received progress photos from Sara Sage about a month ago but I hesitated to post them because I wanted her to have the honor of showing the great progress they have made since the modules were set. Since Sara posted an entry to her blog a few days ago I thought I could go ahead and show some other images that she did not post.
Here is the entry side of the house, actually with less siding on it than in Sara's photos.
And here is the same side from a slightly different angle, rendered just about a year ago. The colors shown are just what we were kicking around back then and don't reflect the Sage's final choices. The engineer from Iron Townhomes managed to eliminate the overhang support beams I indicated here which made for a much cleaner look.
And here is the back side and the side facing the neighbors yard. The color you see is just the off-white primer - final color has not been applied yet.
And these same sides as rendered last year.
And here is one interior shot of the kitchen. I think they have done a great job with it.
And here is the floor plan again for reference. The kitchen is great because it is contained by walls on 2 1/2 sides and open to the house on the rest which gives a defined space, but the open plan living that makes it modern.
This is a great plan - I can boast about it shamelessly because it was the Sages that laid out this plan scheme. I helped them break it into modules, and refine the partitions but the layout is theirs. It is compact at 1400 sqft, and although it is small it has long vistas on a diagonal sight line from the kitchen to the family room. The series of rooms lay on a diagonal. open to one another at their corners makes each of the spaces feel larger than they are, discreetly defined yet open in plan.
The Sages are occupying it now and experiencing it first hand. Its satisfying to recap this project now when it has come so far. Next we will see it through to completion and the creation of the gardens that Sara planned so carefully.
I received progress photos from Sara Sage about a month ago but I hesitated to post them because I wanted her to have the honor of showing the great progress they have made since the modules were set. Since Sara posted an entry to her blog a few days ago I thought I could go ahead and show some other images that she did not post.
Here is the entry side of the house, actually with less siding on it than in Sara's photos.
And here is the same side from a slightly different angle, rendered just about a year ago. The colors shown are just what we were kicking around back then and don't reflect the Sage's final choices. The engineer from Iron Townhomes managed to eliminate the overhang support beams I indicated here which made for a much cleaner look.
And here is the back side and the side facing the neighbors yard. The color you see is just the off-white primer - final color has not been applied yet.
And these same sides as rendered last year.
And here is one interior shot of the kitchen. I think they have done a great job with it.
And here is the floor plan again for reference. The kitchen is great because it is contained by walls on 2 1/2 sides and open to the house on the rest which gives a defined space, but the open plan living that makes it modern.
This is a great plan - I can boast about it shamelessly because it was the Sages that laid out this plan scheme. I helped them break it into modules, and refine the partitions but the layout is theirs. It is compact at 1400 sqft, and although it is small it has long vistas on a diagonal sight line from the kitchen to the family room. The series of rooms lay on a diagonal. open to one another at their corners makes each of the spaces feel larger than they are, discreetly defined yet open in plan.
The Sages are occupying it now and experiencing it first hand. Its satisfying to recap this project now when it has come so far. Next we will see it through to completion and the creation of the gardens that Sara planned so carefully.
Technorati Tags: modern design, modern house, modular house, prefab house
Jumat, 04 November 2005
6030 House out for fabrication
The engineering for the 6030 House is complete and ready to go out for fabrication.
The engineer and detailer have completed their documentation and the house is ready to go out to the fabricator.
The foundations will being next week and the frame should be complete early December however it is likely that the erection will wait until after Jan 1 so that it can work through completion without the interruption of the holidays.
Previous entries showed the plans and some views .
The engineer and detailer have completed their documentation and the house is ready to go out to the fabricator.
The foundations will being next week and the frame should be complete early December however it is likely that the erection will wait until after Jan 1 so that it can work through completion without the interruption of the holidays.
Previous entries showed the plans and some views .
Technorati Tags: 6030 House, ecosteel, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Selasa, 18 Oktober 2005
0357 Steel Case goes Timber!
Finally, introducing the Timber Case House, an all wood version of the Steel Case House.
Why oh why would I do this. Well there have been a number of inquiries over the years for a wood version - people who have liked the house but did not want to venture into the exercise of procuring the steel frame; or simply had a preference for wood. On my part I have a fascination with our current engineered wood products, parallel strand lumber (PSL) and engineered roof and floor trusses. This was a perfect opportunity to make a house that showcased this technology rather than bury it in the walls as is so often the case.
An interior showing the exposed PSL posts, beams, and wood/steel floor trusses.
And the familiar exterior with pressure treated PSL members for the exposed posts and beams.
Design prints will be completed shortly, and Construction Prints to follow soon after. I'll announce it here as usual. This will complete the 4 variations of the Steel CaseHouse which I mentioned earlier in the blog. Next I will try to get back to some of the other designs that are in progress.
Why oh why would I do this. Well there have been a number of inquiries over the years for a wood version - people who have liked the house but did not want to venture into the exercise of procuring the steel frame; or simply had a preference for wood. On my part I have a fascination with our current engineered wood products, parallel strand lumber (PSL) and engineered roof and floor trusses. This was a perfect opportunity to make a house that showcased this technology rather than bury it in the walls as is so often the case.
An interior showing the exposed PSL posts, beams, and wood/steel floor trusses.
And the familiar exterior with pressure treated PSL members for the exposed posts and beams.
Design prints will be completed shortly, and Construction Prints to follow soon after. I'll announce it here as usual. This will complete the 4 variations of the Steel CaseHouse which I mentioned earlier in the blog. Next I will try to get back to some of the other designs that are in progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Steel Case House
Senin, 17 Oktober 2005
0242 Plat House Construction Interiors
The interior of the Arkansas Plat House is far along.
The interior work on the Arkansas Plat House is far along now. The drywall work is finished and the interior cabinetry is installed. This has been a popular feature of this house design so I hope people enjoy seeing the cabinets go in. These images really capture the character of the design as portrayed in our renderings.
Updated pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
The interior work on the Arkansas Plat House is far along now. The drywall work is finished and the interior cabinetry is installed. This has been a popular feature of this house design so I hope people enjoy seeing the cabinets go in. These images really capture the character of the design as portrayed in our renderings.
Updated pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Jumat, 07 Oktober 2005
EcoSteel installation photos
A few pictures from a recent installation of an EcoCottage
The EcoCottages are based on the same construction system that we are using for the 6040 House and the upcoming EcoContempo Collection of prefab houses. I wanted to share these photos to give you an idea of how rapidly these come together on site - a frequent question. Disclaimer - this house is not modern, but the construction system by all means is, and our modern designs leverage that the greatest extent possible.
The EcoSteel people are in Florida right now working on an installation of an EcoCottage. Previously at the same location they built a Bungalow model:
That cottage is completed and looks like this:
Right now they are at work installing a Nantucket model. This work began on Monday 3Oct05, the foundations were already in place.
By Weds afternoon, 5Oct05, the frame was complete. After 3 days the exterior envelope is is underway. When this is done the house is a weather-tight shell ready for interior finish work.
And a television crew from the DIY Networks Assembly Required program is there to film the process.
FYI this cottage house package sells for about 50k.
And as soon as we catch our breath we will have a small well priced house for all those clamoring for low cost prefab, and its going to be great!
The EcoCottages are based on the same construction system that we are using for the 6040 House and the upcoming EcoContempo Collection of prefab houses. I wanted to share these photos to give you an idea of how rapidly these come together on site - a frequent question. Disclaimer - this house is not modern, but the construction system by all means is, and our modern designs leverage that the greatest extent possible.
The EcoSteel people are in Florida right now working on an installation of an EcoCottage. Previously at the same location they built a Bungalow model:
That cottage is completed and looks like this:
Right now they are at work installing a Nantucket model. This work began on Monday 3Oct05, the foundations were already in place.
By Weds afternoon, 5Oct05, the frame was complete. After 3 days the exterior envelope is is underway. When this is done the house is a weather-tight shell ready for interior finish work.
And a television crew from the DIY Networks Assembly Required program is there to film the process.
FYI this cottage house package sells for about 50k.
And as soon as we catch our breath we will have a small well priced house for all those clamoring for low cost prefab, and its going to be great!
Technorati Tags: ecosteel, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Kamis, 06 Oktober 2005
New EcoSteel house designs
There are variations on the 6040 House and 6030 House in design.
We are in the process of designing two variations of the 6040 House and 6030 House oriented towards the narrow dimension for placement on lots with a narrow-deep proportion. Both of the designs are rather luxurious in their program but are laying the ground work for more commodity designs.
The particulars of the setting where these will go have influenced the design solution in specific ways. These will be sited towards a view, which also happens to be along the street access side of their sites, and as such they are placed back on their lots to allow for private outdoor space in what is the front of the house. Sort of a backwards arrangement. To facilitate that the driveway and the entry are to the side of the houses.
The 6030n is a 3 bedroom design with a deep overhanging porch towards the view and private yard. The plan includes an open living/dining/kitchen area, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and an additional room for home office or media.
There is no garage in this design and we are providing a separate garage structure.
The 6040n is also a 3 bedroom design, with integral 4 car garage - yikes! This house flips the living space to the upper floor to better take in the view. It includes an open plan living/dining/kitchen area, 3 bedroom including 2 master bedrooms, 4 baths, and like the 6030 a room for home office or media.
We expect to be creating unique plan variations on these shells for customers on a design to suit basis. Development of these designs will be offered via the new EcoContempo Portal.
We are in the process of designing two variations of the 6040 House and 6030 House oriented towards the narrow dimension for placement on lots with a narrow-deep proportion. Both of the designs are rather luxurious in their program but are laying the ground work for more commodity designs.
The particulars of the setting where these will go have influenced the design solution in specific ways. These will be sited towards a view, which also happens to be along the street access side of their sites, and as such they are placed back on their lots to allow for private outdoor space in what is the front of the house. Sort of a backwards arrangement. To facilitate that the driveway and the entry are to the side of the houses.
The 6030n is a 3 bedroom design with a deep overhanging porch towards the view and private yard. The plan includes an open living/dining/kitchen area, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and an additional room for home office or media.
There is no garage in this design and we are providing a separate garage structure.
The 6040n is also a 3 bedroom design, with integral 4 car garage - yikes! This house flips the living space to the upper floor to better take in the view. It includes an open plan living/dining/kitchen area, 3 bedroom including 2 master bedrooms, 4 baths, and like the 6030 a room for home office or media.
We expect to be creating unique plan variations on these shells for customers on a design to suit basis. Development of these designs will be offered via the new EcoContempo Portal.
Technorati Tags: 6030 House, 6040 House, ecosteel, prefab house
Senin, 26 September 2005
0242 Plat House Construction getting close
Siding is going on in the most recent photos.
Just a couple of new photos on the construction progress page, but a surprise visitor to the construction site poses with the siding crew!
Updated pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
Just a couple of new photos on the construction progress page, but a surprise visitor to the construction site poses with the siding crew!
Updated pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Rabu, 14 September 2005
Affordable Schmafordable
This Re-Modern movement is not about affordability - its about Availability
You know, several years ago I used to respond to the question of affordability whenever it came up on the messageboards, but it never sank in, the message never caught on, so I just stopped doing it. I think back on the old Dwell boards I started a thread once called "Affordable Schmafordable" just to emphasize the point, and so I revived the title here for the blog entry. People continually enter these online communities, LiveModern and FabPreFab, with the expectation that prefab will make houses less expensive.
So let me repeat it one more time, and lets see if it will stick. PreFab, and this whole new modern movement for that matter, is all about Making Modern Houses AVAILABLE where none were before. Not affordable - AVAILABLE. Not as sexy, not as enticing, but closer to the truth.
Prefab plays into that because we can find a factory willing to build a modern house in one locale that can service an entire region and enjoy some economy of scale, where as to find a developer to build a modern house in any specific locale - slim to none, to find a builder to build a one of a kind modern house in a specific locale - possible, but without overcharging? - slim. So, yes, prefab can make it affordable if you define affordable as a lack of being gouged, but if you think you are going to get more house for less because its prefab, or because its modern and devoid of traditional detail - forget it. What prefab is going to get you is the opportunity to buy a modern house where no opportunity existed before - in other words: AVAILABLE!
You know, several years ago I used to respond to the question of affordability whenever it came up on the messageboards, but it never sank in, the message never caught on, so I just stopped doing it. I think back on the old Dwell boards I started a thread once called "Affordable Schmafordable" just to emphasize the point, and so I revived the title here for the blog entry. People continually enter these online communities, LiveModern and FabPreFab, with the expectation that prefab will make houses less expensive.
So let me repeat it one more time, and lets see if it will stick. PreFab, and this whole new modern movement for that matter, is all about Making Modern Houses AVAILABLE where none were before. Not affordable - AVAILABLE. Not as sexy, not as enticing, but closer to the truth.
Prefab plays into that because we can find a factory willing to build a modern house in one locale that can service an entire region and enjoy some economy of scale, where as to find a developer to build a modern house in any specific locale - slim to none, to find a builder to build a one of a kind modern house in a specific locale - possible, but without overcharging? - slim. So, yes, prefab can make it affordable if you define affordable as a lack of being gouged, but if you think you are going to get more house for less because its prefab, or because its modern and devoid of traditional detail - forget it. What prefab is going to get you is the opportunity to buy a modern house where no opportunity existed before - in other words: AVAILABLE!
Technorati Tags: modern design, modern house, prefab house
Kamis, 01 September 2005
0242 Plat House Construction Photos
Work proceeds on the Arkansas Plat House
It is looking more and more like a house each time I see it. Its interesting to compare the interior rendering to this shot.
The new pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
It is looking more and more like a house each time I see it. Its interesting to compare the interior rendering to this shot.
The new pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Kamis, 18 Agustus 2005
0242 Plat House Construction progress
The House is there now, in the flesh and blood
All of the elements that comprise the identifying characteristics of this house design are in place now. The leap from the renderings to real life feels more and more plausible!
And as before the new pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
All of the elements that comprise the identifying characteristics of this house design are in place now. The leap from the renderings to real life feels more and more plausible!
And as before the new pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr. Thanks again to our customers for sharing their progress.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Selasa, 16 Agustus 2005
IBU dwelling second proposal
a larger 2 bedroom unit may make the profit equation work
This is an alternate utilizing 2 bedroom units of two 20ft modules with in-fill panels.
This configuration requires the existing garage to be removed, but the structure fits without forcing the parking underneath, which means it can still be placed on a relatively simple slab.The bedrooms are quite small, but it would make a fine dwelling for a single, or a couple even with their first child.
This is an alternate utilizing 2 bedroom units of two 20ft modules with in-fill panels.
This configuration requires the existing garage to be removed, but the structure fits without forcing the parking underneath, which means it can still be placed on a relatively simple slab.The bedrooms are quite small, but it would make a fine dwelling for a single, or a couple even with their first child.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Senin, 15 Agustus 2005
IBU dwelling, first proposal
we have issued our first site specific proposal
This is a mock up of a simple 3 unit mini-tower for an urban site. The neighborhood of single family dwellings is zoned for 4 units making an opportunity for the owner to insert 3 new dwellings in the rear garden.
The compact footprint of the single 40 flat allows it to fit within setback limits, preserve an existing garage, and provide the new required parking.
It will work with zoning, but we are not sure if it will fly with the owner. The profit from the units must exceed the value of the owners backyard - a valuation that only they can make.
This is a mock up of a simple 3 unit mini-tower for an urban site. The neighborhood of single family dwellings is zoned for 4 units making an opportunity for the owner to insert 3 new dwellings in the rear garden.
The compact footprint of the single 40 flat allows it to fit within setback limits, preserve an existing garage, and provide the new required parking.
It will work with zoning, but we are not sure if it will fly with the owner. The profit from the units must exceed the value of the owners backyard - a valuation that only they can make.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Jumat, 12 Agustus 2005
The Sage Modular is SET!
The modules were set on 12 August 2005
Look Ma - no hands! See more detail on the Sage Blog
past rendering of this side of the house - colors not current.
Look Ma - no hands! See more detail on the Sage Blog
past rendering of this side of the house - colors not current.
Technorati Tags: modern design, modern house, modular house, prefab house
Kamis, 04 Agustus 2005
IBU accessories
We will be developing a series of add on accessories for these IBU dwellings
This is the first of what will be a series of simple add ons: a 6ft balcony.
This is the first of what will be a series of simple add ons: a 6ft balcony.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Sabtu, 30 Juli 2005
IBU single 40 flat
here finally is a view of the entire interior fit-out
I'm not going to spend anymore time on dressing this right now, as I need to study the stacking schemes a little bit more closely.
and inside again.
I'm not going to spend anymore time on dressing this right now, as I need to study the stacking schemes a little bit more closely.
and inside again.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Kamis, 28 Juli 2005
IBU dwelling inside
The model of the basic dwelling is just about complete.
Here is an image of the kitchen/living space. The bedroom door is straight ahead, and the bathroom door directly at its side. The entry door is at this same circulation point but a little forward opposite the kitchen.
Next I'll place some furnishings.
Here is an image of the kitchen/living space. The bedroom door is straight ahead, and the bathroom door directly at its side. The entry door is at this same circulation point but a little forward opposite the kitchen.
Next I'll place some furnishings.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Rabu, 27 Juli 2005
IBU dwelling progress
The design is complete
I am working to make a fair representation of the fit out now.
I'll continue to post more images as the interior comes together.
I am working to make a fair representation of the fit out now.
I'll continue to post more images as the interior comes together.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Selasa, 19 Juli 2005
First IBU house design
I am working on my first IBU house design.
Some time ago I wrote an essay posted here about the coming of age of so called container homes. I promised myself and others I have corresponded with that I would try this summer to address this area of modern housing - the weird uncle of the prefab movement! I really would like to show that this is a viable and reasonable way to build a house. There has been a lot of interest in making homes this way and I think we need to make the path to realizing it easier, clearer, more available. There have been some esoteric proposals, and some high design, high art concept proposals. But there has not been a committed offering - here is a design, here is what it costs, pick out your options, and we will deliver it to your door. I want to see if we can make that happen.
I am beginning with a small dwelling based on a single module. The dimensions of the IBU allow it to be readily transportable, no special road permits, which also allows us at this early stage to function with one manufacturing point. We can service any buyer from this location because of the nature of the IBU. This is going to be a single 40 ft heavy gauge steel module, 1 bedroom unit. It will be suitable as a remote cabin, or backyard guest house, or it can be combined to form multi unit structures.
Multi unit structures can be formed with several different stacking schemes, with stairs and landings serving the individual units forming communal space between them on each level.
Ultimately I would like to find an outfit interested in finishing the modules, but for now they will be offered without interior finishes. They will include the structural shell, bays, all external windows and doors, electrical panel and distribution, split ductless hvac (condenser unit crated), and documentation to facilitate permitting. This looks doable for about 100$/sqft or about 40k for 400sqft, less in quantity orders. I think that compares favorably to other dwellings at this size.
You need to bring to the party your utilities, footing piers (generally 6 piers) rough plumbing, interior finishes, cabinetry and plumbing & lighting fixtures. Accessories that may be shown in the illustrations like balconies and decks are not included in that number but we will have pricing for these items before we make a committed offering.
Behind me in this is TAW (Tampa Armature Works) IBU division and David Cross. They are the willing partner in this, without which its nothing more than nifty drawings. This is similar to my relationship with Northern Steel who said to me that they were willing to build and sell modern houses. Our young modern movement can not afford to squander willing manufacturers like these. You can ask Michelle Kaufman, you can ask Joe Tanney from Res4A - finding somebody willing to build their modern houses is no easy task. When a manufacturer emerges that is already on board with building modern we have to embrace them and help them get product to market.
Some time ago I wrote an essay posted here about the coming of age of so called container homes. I promised myself and others I have corresponded with that I would try this summer to address this area of modern housing - the weird uncle of the prefab movement! I really would like to show that this is a viable and reasonable way to build a house. There has been a lot of interest in making homes this way and I think we need to make the path to realizing it easier, clearer, more available. There have been some esoteric proposals, and some high design, high art concept proposals. But there has not been a committed offering - here is a design, here is what it costs, pick out your options, and we will deliver it to your door. I want to see if we can make that happen.
I am beginning with a small dwelling based on a single module. The dimensions of the IBU allow it to be readily transportable, no special road permits, which also allows us at this early stage to function with one manufacturing point. We can service any buyer from this location because of the nature of the IBU. This is going to be a single 40 ft heavy gauge steel module, 1 bedroom unit. It will be suitable as a remote cabin, or backyard guest house, or it can be combined to form multi unit structures.
Multi unit structures can be formed with several different stacking schemes, with stairs and landings serving the individual units forming communal space between them on each level.
Ultimately I would like to find an outfit interested in finishing the modules, but for now they will be offered without interior finishes. They will include the structural shell, bays, all external windows and doors, electrical panel and distribution, split ductless hvac (condenser unit crated), and documentation to facilitate permitting. This looks doable for about 100$/sqft or about 40k for 400sqft, less in quantity orders. I think that compares favorably to other dwellings at this size.
You need to bring to the party your utilities, footing piers (generally 6 piers) rough plumbing, interior finishes, cabinetry and plumbing & lighting fixtures. Accessories that may be shown in the illustrations like balconies and decks are not included in that number but we will have pricing for these items before we make a committed offering.
Behind me in this is TAW (Tampa Armature Works) IBU division and David Cross. They are the willing partner in this, without which its nothing more than nifty drawings. This is similar to my relationship with Northern Steel who said to me that they were willing to build and sell modern houses. Our young modern movement can not afford to squander willing manufacturers like these. You can ask Michelle Kaufman, you can ask Joe Tanney from Res4A - finding somebody willing to build their modern houses is no easy task. When a manufacturer emerges that is already on board with building modern we have to embrace them and help them get product to market.
Technorati Tags: container house, modern design, modern house, prefab house
Minggu, 26 Juni 2005
0242 Plat House Construction update
Another modern house slowly joins the re-modern community.
A few more construction photos were forwarded to me.
And as before the new pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr.
A few more construction photos were forwarded to me.
And as before the new pictures are posted on the Plat House photo set at Flickr.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Selasa, 14 Juni 2005
0242 Plat House takes shape
The carpenters are moving quickly through the rough framing.
This portion of the work always seems to go quickly and it is very gratifying.
There are more new pictures posted on the Plat House photo set at our web site.
This portion of the work always seems to go quickly and it is very gratifying.
There are more new pictures posted on the Plat House photo set at our web site.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Kamis, 09 Juni 2005
0242 Plat House Construction moving along
The framing has begun for the Arkansas Plat House.
After watching a hole in the ground for weeks the progress of sharp carpenters can be fast, surprising, and very satisfying for an owner waiting to see their Plat House take shape.
For the first time you can begin to get a feel for the volume of your house, and the views from its windows. Well what do you think? Can you see it in the design rendering?
As before the progress photos will be posted on the photo set for this design.
After watching a hole in the ground for weeks the progress of sharp carpenters can be fast, surprising, and very satisfying for an owner waiting to see their Plat House take shape.
For the first time you can begin to get a feel for the volume of your house, and the views from its windows. Well what do you think? Can you see it in the design rendering?
As before the progress photos will be posted on the photo set for this design.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Minggu, 22 Mei 2005
another visit to Gableville
seems like everybody is setting modules these days
Technorati Tags: modern design, modern house, modular house, prefab house
Senin, 16 Mei 2005
0242 Plat House Construction continues
After a winter delay construction has resumed on the first 0242 Plat House
I just received a couple of photos from the customer building the first 0242 Plat House at a location in Arkansas.
All the progress photos will be posted on the photo set for this design.
I just received a couple of photos from the customer building the first 0242 Plat House at a location in Arkansas.
All the progress photos will be posted on the photo set for this design.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house, Plat House
Jumat, 22 April 2005
Windows Open
Renderings never show how our crazy quilt of windows look when they are open.
Our current designs in our line of stock plans, and the coming prefab house products typically have large blocks of standard window units with operable windows woven into the pattern. I've done many a drawings showing these configurations, often with the operable windows in different color to make them jump. I like the logic and the fun of this approach. You get the benefit of working with affordable standard sizes, and combine them to create large window openings. The drawings give you a feel for what it looks like but the real fun however begins when the windows are open!
We had a really nice day yesterday, warm and breezy. I think it was the first time we cranked every one of them open.
Our current designs in our line of stock plans, and the coming prefab house products typically have large blocks of standard window units with operable windows woven into the pattern. I've done many a drawings showing these configurations, often with the operable windows in different color to make them jump. I like the logic and the fun of this approach. You get the benefit of working with affordable standard sizes, and combine them to create large window openings. The drawings give you a feel for what it looks like but the real fun however begins when the windows are open!
We had a really nice day yesterday, warm and breezy. I think it was the first time we cranked every one of them open.
Technorati Tags: house plans, modern design, modern house
Senin, 18 April 2005
6030 House floor plans
in progress floor plans of the 6030 House design
The plans are still evolving each day. Most of the design decisions have been made but technological issues of the building system shove the plan around a bit each day as things are studied in more detail.
The design is a melding of the 6040 House prototype plan and the 6040 House design study plan. If you compare the three of them you will see what I mean.
The ground floor eliminates one parking space in the garage, and moves the master bedroom upstairs. This leaves a good amount of living space on the ground floor, and breaks it down into areas of different volume and light quality.
Upstairs the master bedroom remains a large suite with a master bathroom with potential to be very luxurious. Along with the other bedrooms these spaces form a buffer between the master bedroom and the public side of the house. Perhaps the most interesting part of this design is the porch room on the upper level. This is a modern 3 season room brought into the volume of the house. From here it can take in a great view or be up among the trees. An alternate living room it greatly expands the living space of the house and still leaves the areas below with a high ceiling. This very rough section shows the vertical relationship of these rooms.
The ability to create voluminous spaces like this affordably lies with the EcoSteel building system.
The plans are still evolving each day. Most of the design decisions have been made but technological issues of the building system shove the plan around a bit each day as things are studied in more detail.
The design is a melding of the 6040 House prototype plan and the 6040 House design study plan. If you compare the three of them you will see what I mean.
The ground floor eliminates one parking space in the garage, and moves the master bedroom upstairs. This leaves a good amount of living space on the ground floor, and breaks it down into areas of different volume and light quality.
Upstairs the master bedroom remains a large suite with a master bathroom with potential to be very luxurious. Along with the other bedrooms these spaces form a buffer between the master bedroom and the public side of the house. Perhaps the most interesting part of this design is the porch room on the upper level. This is a modern 3 season room brought into the volume of the house. From here it can take in a great view or be up among the trees. An alternate living room it greatly expands the living space of the house and still leaves the areas below with a high ceiling. This very rough section shows the vertical relationship of these rooms.
The ability to create voluminous spaces like this affordably lies with the EcoSteel building system.
Technorati Tags: 6030 House, ecosteel, modern design, modern house, prefab house
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